Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment in Turkey
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 Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, 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.
Istanbul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Karan Saxena, a 16-year-old aspiring cricketer...
Karan Saxena, a 16-year-old aspiring cricketer from Delhi, had always been active but started noticing a persistent ache in his back during long practice sessions. His mother first spotted the unevenness in his shoulders when he was 14, but it was dismissed as poor posture. Over two years, the curve progressed. A routine school check-up flagged it, leading to an X-ray revealing a 48-degree thoracic curve. His spine surgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that bracing was no longer an option due to the curve's severity and Karan's age. The recommendation was a posterior spinal fusion to halt progression and correct the deformity. Karan was terrified the surgery would end his cricket dreams. The surgery was long, but successful. His recovery in the hospital was tough, grappling with pain and frustration at his immobility. However, with relentless physiotherapy, he was walking within days and home within a week. A year later, his curve is corrected to 15 degrees. He has regained full strength, returned to modified training, and plays club cricket. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear and anger at his body 'betraying' him to immense resilience and gratitude. He now volunteers to speak to other teens facing surgery, offering hope.