Pediatric Spinal Deformity Treatment in India
About Pediatric Spinal Deformity
Key Highlights
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Performed by specialized pediatric neurosurgeons with expertise in the developing spine and nervous system.Utilizes advanced imaging and neuromonitoring for precision and safety during surgery.Aims to halt the progression of the deformity and prevent future complications like pain or respiratory issues.Corrects spinal alignment to improve posture, balance, and overall physical function.Can significantly enhance a child's long-term quality of life and self-esteem.Often involves a multidisciplinary team approach for comprehensive care./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive scoliosis or kyphosis that does not respond to bracing or other conservative treatments.
- Severe spinal curvature (often greater than 40-50 degrees) that is likely to worsen.
- Congenital spinal deformities present from birth that affect spinal development.
- Deformities causing significant pain, breathing difficulties, or neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness).
- Spinal imbalance that affects posture and walking.
- Underlying conditions like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or Marfan syndrome causing spinal deformity.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including detailed medical history, physical and neurological exams.
- Advanced imaging such as full-spine X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to plan the surgery.
- Pre-operative consultations with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly other specialists.
- Pre-surgical tests like blood work, ECG, and pulmonary function tests.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the family.
- Instructions on fasting (no food or drink) for a period before surgery.
- Arranging for time off school and post-operative care at home.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: nerve injury, which could lead to weakness, numbness, or, rarely, paralysis.
- Hardware-related issues: implant failure, breakage, or loosening over time.
- Pseudoarthrosis (failure of the spinal bones to fuse properly).
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Continued pain or the development of new pain.
- Need for additional surgery in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital for monitoring, pain management, and beginning physical therapy.
- Mobilization (sitting, standing, walking) typically begins within a day or two after surgery.
- Pain is managed with medications, gradually transitioning to oral pain relievers.
- Restrictions on bending, lifting, and twisting for several months to protect the fusion.
- Gradual return to light activities; return to school usually within a few weeks to a month.
- Follow-up appointments for wound checks, X-rays, and monitoring of healing and fusion.
- Long-term, most children can resume normal activities, including non-contact sports, once fully healed.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion and activity return
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric spinal deformity in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric neurosurgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric spinal deformity. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pediatric spinal deformity compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 450 Thousand – 1.5 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion and activity return | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.58 Million – 5.25 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion and activity return | Know More |
Arjun Saxena is a thoughtful 14-year-old...
Arjun Saxena is a thoughtful 14-year-old from Mumbai, India, who loves cricket and coding. Over the past two years, his parents noticed his right shoulder was noticeably higher than his left, and his shirts no longer hung straight. Arjun began experiencing persistent, dull back pain after long days at school. An X-ray revealed a 55-degree right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis curve that was progressing rapidly during his adolescent growth spurt. His pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation to halt progression, correct the deformity, and prevent future cardiopulmonary complications. Arjun was anxious about the long surgery and missing cricket season. The procedure lasted six hours. His recovery in the hospital was challenging, with initial pain managed by an epidural, but he was walking by day three with the support of physical therapists. A year later, Arjun stands 2 inches taller and straighter. His back pain is gone, and while he has a permanent limitation on extreme flexion, he has returned to modified cricket training and coding marathons without discomfort. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear of being 'different' and the surgery itself to pride in his resilience and a profound appreciation for his body's strength.