Threaded method in later life scoliosis

Claiming that scoliosis is a more common curvature of the spine than expected in society, Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Çetinkaya, “Scoliosis can have different causes. The most common type is what we call “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis” (AIS), the cause of which cannot be revealed. This type of scoliosis usually has a more benign course and the treatment processes are relatively smooth. Idiopathic scoliosis can occur at any age. Those that occur after the age of 10 are referred to as adolescent-type idiopathic scoliosis. AIS is a three-dimensional deformity caused by the spine starting to twist on itself. When viewed from the front, it creates an S-shaped deformity or curvature in the child’s body. The level difference in the patients’ shoulders is understood by findings such as swelling on one side of the back, chest and lower corners of the ribs, and asymmetry in the lumbar pit. The definitive diagnosis can be made by imaging the entire spine with X-ray film.

“Some types of scoliosis can be controlled with physical therapy” noting that a very small proportion of scoliosis curves require surgery, Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Çetinkaya continued: “Part of the scoliosis, especially when diagnosed early, can be controlled with braces and scoliosis specific physiotherapy treatments. Studies have shown that these exercises and a well-made bra are effective in stopping, slowing, and sometimes even reducing the amount of curvature in the progression of scoliosis. It is very important that patients undergoing corset treatment continue with specific exercises or do not stay away from sports activities. In some cases, no matter how good the corset and exercise therapy are, curvatures may have a tendency to progress or there may be non-compliance and the scoliosis deformity may take an undesirable course. If it cannot be controlled for these reasons or if it progresses too far, surgical treatment is the last option. As a surgical method of treatment, the first-line treatment options, if possible, are fusion-free methods where the vertebrae are not fused together and their movement is preserved as much as possible, minimizing the impact on the patient’s physical activity. possible. Threaded scoliosis is applied to children whose growth continues. Although fusion surgery is now the accepted gold standard method of treatment, the threaded scoliosis method is increasingly being used in eligible patients in all leading centers of the world. Threaded scoliosis treatment is usually applied to children who continue to grow. In this method, it is not done from the back of the spine, but with the help of a camera and special tools placed through small openings on the side of the chest wall. The curvature of the spine is corrected by stretching the vertebrae together using a special thread produced with advanced technology. Movement between the vertebrae is preserved. This technique, which has become increasingly widespread in recent times, has also been applied to patients who have completed their growth in some of the world’s leading spinal health centers, with promising results beginning to be obtained.

It is possible to return to normal life in a short time. In the period after the procedure, children return to their normal life in a much shorter time. They can continue their sports activities with almost completely comparable performance. With periodic checkups, the deformity of the spine is checked and absolutely monitored how it behaves. Families must be very selective in the treatment of scoliosis. It is important that the place of treatment is an advanced spinal center. At these centers, patients are treated after a detailed examination and evaluation by spine health specialists who are experienced and trained in international spine disorders. A multidisciplinary study would be more appropriate. In these centers, family and patient are informed about the disease down to the smallest details. During the treatment process, help from the psychiatrist is sought, sometimes before and after, if necessary.”