Minimanlly Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can be quite painful and debilitating. There are several known types of scoliosis. However, in general, the spine will begin to curve leading to imbalance and tilt in the discs. This can cause the inability to stand up straight or even worse cause compression of the spinal nerves. This nerve compression can be so painful that it can prevent one from walking long distances.
Historically, surgery to correct these deformities have been extreme and been known to have high volumes of blood loss, long stays in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and taken a significant toll on the patient. Therefore a less invasive solution was needed.
Dr. Anand has pioneered the combination of three minimally invasive fusion techniques to adequately correct curvature deformities and fuse the spine. This is done most often in a two stage surgical procedure.
Stage 1
A direct lateral approach is taken to the spine through small 1 inch incisions on the side of the abdomen. Through these incisions the involved discs are removed and a spacer is placed in the intervertebral space at each level to correct the tilt of the discs and restore them to their original height.
Stage 2
A screw/rod is used to stabilize and fuse the bottom intervertebral disc space at L5-S1 providing a solid base for the spine. Then small incisions are used leaving the spinal muscles intact to place screws and hand-steer a rod into the screws to correct the curve in rotation and translation and to provide stability.
By using this minimally invasive approach, patients do not need to go to ICU, lose very little blood, and recover much faster allowing them to resume a normal life.
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6 months After Surgery
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