About Pediatric Spine Surgery
Key Highlights
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Corrects spinal deformities to improve posture and physical appearance.Alleviates chronic pain, numbness, or weakness caused by nerve compression.Prevents progression of curvature, which can impact lung and heart function.Utilizes child-specific, growth-friendly instrumentation and techniques.Employs advanced intraoperative monitoring to enhance surgical safety for the spinal cord and nerves.Aims to restore mobility and enable participation in normal childhood activities./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive scoliosis or kyphosis (curvature of the spine) that does not respond to bracing.
- Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another) causing pain or nerve issues.
- Congenital spinal abnormalities present from birth.
- Spinal fractures or traumatic injuries from accidents.
- Infections or tumors affecting the spinal column or cord.
- Severe back pain or neurological deficits (like leg weakness) that limit daily function.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including detailed medical history, physical exam, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scan).
- Pre-operative consultations with the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly other specialists.
- Pre-surgical tests such as blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the family.
- Guidance on medications to stop (e.g., blood thinners) before surgery.
- Fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours prior to surgery).
- Psychological preparation of the child and family for the hospital stay and recovery process.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
- Nerve injury, which could lead to weakness, numbness, or, in rare cases, paralysis.
- Instrumentation-related issues like hardware failure, loosening, or prominence.
- Pseudoarthrosis (failure of the bones to fuse properly).
- Persistent pain at the surgical site or adjacent segment disease.
- Complications specific to growth, such as the "crankshaft" phenomenon in young children.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and beginning physical therapy.
- Use of a back brace or support may be required for several weeks to months.
- Gradual increase in activity; lifting restrictions and no contact sports for an extended period.
- Follow-up appointments for wound checks, imaging, and assessment of spinal fusion.
- Ongoing physical therapy to rebuild core strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns.
- Encouragement of a healthy diet to support bone healing.
- Close monitoring of the child's growth and spinal alignment over the long term.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full recovery and bone fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric spine surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pediatric spine surgery in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric spine surgery. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons 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 spine surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Pediatric Spine Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pediatric spine surgery.
Saanvi Miller is a vibrant 14-year-old...
Saanvi Miller is a vibrant 14-year-old competitive gymnast. Over the past year, her parents noticed her shoulders were uneven and her back had a pronounced 'S' curve. Saanvi began experiencing persistent back pain after practices. An X-ray confirmed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a 52-degree thoracic curve that was progressing rapidly. Her pediatric spine surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that bracing was no longer an option due to the curve's severity and her growth remaining. He recommended posterior spinal fusion to correct the curve, prevent progression, and alleviate pain. The 6-hour surgery involved placing rods and screws to straighten and fuse her spine. Saanvi spent 4 days in the hospital, initially frustrated by the pain and mobility restrictions. Her recovery involved months of physical therapy to rebuild core strength. One year later, her curve is corrected to 15 degrees. She has returned to a modified fitness routine, though not competitive gymnastics. Emotionally, Saanvi grappled with losing a core part of her identity but has channeled her discipline into coaching younger gymnasts, finding a new sense of purpose and pride in her straight, strong posture.
Spine surgeons for Pediatric Spine Surgery
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform pediatric spine surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
- 22 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata