About Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Key Highlights
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Halts the progression of the spinal curvature, preventing further deformity.Significantly improves spinal alignment and overall posture for a more balanced appearance.Can alleviate associated back pain and improve respiratory function in severe cases.Utilizes advanced surgical techniques and instrumentation for precise correction and stability.Performed by specialized spine surgeons with expertise in pediatric and adolescent spinal care.
Who is this surgery for?
- A spinal curve (Cobb angle) measuring 45 to 50 degrees or more in a growing adolescent.
- Documented progression of the curve despite appropriate non-surgical management, such as bracing.
- Severe cosmetic deformity causing significant psychological distress to the patient.
- Curves that are likely to progress into adulthood, based on skeletal maturity and curve pattern.
- Associated symptoms like back pain or, in rare severe cases, potential for cardiopulmonary compromise.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including detailed X-rays (full spine), MRI, or CT scans to plan the surgery.
- Assessment of skeletal maturity (Risser sign) to determine the risk of progression.
- Pre-operative medical clearance, which may involve blood tests, heart and lung function tests.
- Discussion with the surgical team about the procedure, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
- Pre-operative planning for pain management, potential blood donation (autologous), and nutritional optimization.
- Arranging for necessary support at home and school accommodations for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding (requiring transfusion), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, which is rare but can lead to weakness, numbness, or, in extreme cases, paralysis.
- Failure of the bone to fuse (pseudarthrosis), potentially requiring additional surgery.
- Hardware-related issues such as implant breakage, loosening, or prominence under the skin.
- Adjacent segment disease, where spinal levels above or below the fusion degenerate over time.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and, rarely, lung complications (pulmonary embolism).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 4-7 days for pain management, mobilization, and monitoring.
- Patients are encouraged to sit up and walk with assistance within 1-2 days after surgery.
- Pain is managed with medications, transitioning from IV to oral pain relievers.
- A back brace may be recommended for a period to support healing, depending on the surgeon's protocol.
- Physical therapy begins in the hospital and continues at home to rebuild strength and mobility.
- Return to school is usually possible within 2-4 weeks, with restrictions on bending, lifting, and sports for 6-12 months.
- Follow-up X-rays are scheduled regularly to monitor fusion and spinal alignment.
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Typical hospital stay: 4-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, 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 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. 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 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
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