Scoliosis is a condition of the spine that causes it to curve sideways, forming an “S” or “C” shape. This condition most commonly occurs in children and adolescents, particularly during growth periods. In some cases, scoliosis may not cause significant symptoms. However, if the spinal curvature becomes more severe, it can lead to changes in body posture, back pain, and other functional problems.
Because the severity of scoliosis can vary from person to person, the treatment approach must be tailored to each patient’s condition. One of the treatment methods that may be considered is surgery, particularly in cases where the spinal curvature is quite significant. Therefore, it is important to understand the best time for scoliosis surgery so that appropriate treatment can be provided and further progression of the spinal curve can be prevented.
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When is the best time for scoliosis surgery?
The best time for scoliosis surgery is usually considered when:
1. The spinal curvature exceeds 40 degrees
Surgery is often recommended when the curvature has reached or exceeded 40°. At this stage, the risk of the curve worsening is relatively high.
2. The patient is still growing
In children or adolescents who are still experiencing growth, the spinal curvature may worsen rapidly. If the curvature is already approaching a severe category before the growth spurt, doctors are more likely to consider surgery.
3. Approaching puberty
Puberty is a period of rapid growth. For patients with severe scoliosis who are about to enter this phase, surgery is often considered to prevent the curvature from worsening.
In conclusion, the best time for scoliosis surgery is generally when the spinal curvature has reached around 40° or more, especially in patients who are still growing and are at risk of experiencing rapid curve progression.
Factors that influence the best timing for scoliosis surgery
Several factors need to be considered when determining the most appropriate time for scoliosis surgery. These include:
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Type, severity, and location of the curvature
Surgery is more commonly recommended in cases of severe scoliosis or when there are multiple curves in different parts of the spine. In neuromuscular scoliosis, surgical treatment is also more frequently considered compared to other types of scoliosis.
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Degree of spinal curvature
Surgery is generally considered if the spinal curvature measured by the Cobb angle exceeds 40 degrees.
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Progression of the spinal curve
If the spinal curvature continues to worsen or is expected to progress during a patient’s rapid growth phase (growth spurt), doctors will usually consider surgical treatment.
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Response to non-surgical treatment
If scoliosis is classified as severe and does not improve with non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or bracing, surgery may become the next treatment option.
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Severity of symptoms
Patients who experience breathing difficulties, significant limitations in daily activities, or decreased quality of life due to scoliosis are often prioritized for surgery, regardless of their age.
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Bone maturity and growth pattern
Before recommending the appropriate time for surgery, doctors will evaluate the child’s bone maturity and growth pattern thoroughly to determine the most optimal timing for the procedure.
Scoliosis Orthopedic Specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri: dr. Fachry Sp.OT(K)
dr. Mohammad Fachry Lubis, Sp.OT(K) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty in spine surgery. He has expertise in treating various spinal disorders, including scoliosis in children as well as conditions such as pinched nerves.
He completed his medical degree at the University of North Sumatra, then pursued orthopedic specialist training and obtained his spine consultant qualification from the University of Indonesia. With this educational background and experience, dr. Fachry has strong expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of spinal conditions.
In his practice, dr. Fachry provides consultation and treatment for various conditions, including spinal deformities, spinal injuries, and pinched nerves along the spine. He is also experienced in performing minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, such as Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS) and Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD). These methods are known for smaller incisions, faster recovery time, and a lower risk of complications compared to conventional surgical procedures.
dr. Fachry’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Mohammad Fachry Lubis, Sp.OT(K) is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. These services help simplify appointment booking, check queue numbers, and access other important information.
