Scoliosis Surgery in India

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, often presenting as an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from the front or back. While mild cases may not require surgical intervention, severe scoliosis can cause significant discomfort, impairment of organ function, and cosmetic concerns, prompting the need for corrective surgery.

Diagnosis of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Common signs and symptoms include uneven shoulder or hip alignment, rib prominence, spinal asymmetry, and back pain.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

The symptoms of scoliosis vary depending on the severity and progression of the spinal curvature.
Mild scoliosis may be asymptomatic, while moderate to severe cases can cause back pain, stiffness, muscle imbalances, respiratory compromise, and functional limitations.

Types of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis The most common type, idiopathic scoliosis, has no known cause and typically develops during adolescence.
Congenital Scoliosis Congenital scoliosis results from abnormal spinal development in utero and may be present at birth or detected during early childhood.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs secondary to underlying neurological or muscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.

Causes of Scoliosis

While the exact cause of idiopathic scoliosis remains unknown, genetic factors, abnormal growth patterns, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to its development.
Congenital scoliosis is caused by vertebral malformations or abnormalities in spinal segmentation during fetal development.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is attributed to neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle tone, strength, and coordination, leading to spinal asymmetry and curvature.

Scoliosis Surgery Procedure
Scoliosis surgery aims to correct spinal deformity, stabilize the spine, and prevent further progression of curvature.
The surgical approach may involve spinal fusion, instrumentation, or a combination of techniques depending on the severity and location of the curvature.
During spinal fusion, bone grafts or synthetic materials are used to fuse vertebrae together, while instrumentation such as rods, screws, and hooks are employed to maintain spinal alignment and stability.
Minimally invasive techniques may be utilized whenever possible to minimize tissue trauma, reduce postoperative pain, and expedite recovery.

Recovery from Scoliosis Surgery

Recovery from scoliosis surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, patient age, overall health, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation protocols.
Patients typically undergo a period of immobilization and gradual rehabilitation to optimize spinal healing, restore mobility, and strengthen supporting musculature.
Full recovery may take several months to a year, during which time patients are closely monitored by their medical team to ensure proper healing and functional restoration.

Scoliosis Treatment

Scoliosis treatment aims to manage spinal curvature and associated symptoms while preventing progression and optimizing functional outcomes. The approach to treatment varies depending on factors such as the curvature's severity, the patient's age, and the presence of symptoms.

Curvature of the Spine

The spine normally has gentle curves when viewed from the side, including cervical lordosis (neck curve), thoracic kyphosis (upper back curve), and lumbar lordosis (lower back curve). However, scoliosis involves abnormal lateral curvature, causing the spine to bend sideways.

Mild Scoliosis

Mild scoliosis refers to a spinal curvature measuring less than 20 degrees on X-ray imaging. While mild cases may not cause significant symptoms or require immediate intervention, close monitoring and conservative measures such as physical therapy, bracing, and regular exercise may be recommended to prevent progression and manage any associated discomfort.

Scoliosis of the Spine

Scoliosis of the spine encompasses various forms of spinal curvature, including idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause, is the most common type and often develops during adolescence. Congenital scoliosis results from vertebral malformations present at birth, while neuromuscular scoliosis is associated with underlying neurological or muscular conditions.

Lumbar Scoliosis

Lumbar scoliosis specifically refers to curvature of the spine affecting the lumbar (lower back) region. This type of scoliosis may cause symptoms such as lower back pain, muscle imbalance, and postural changes. Treatment options for lumbar scoliosis may include physical therapy, bracing, pain management strategies, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to correct spinal alignment.

Levoscoliosis

Levoscoliosis is a type of scoliosis characterized by left-sided curvature of the spine. While scoliosis can curve to the left (levoscoliosis) or to the right (dextroscoliosis), the direction of curvature does not necessarily correlate with symptom severity or treatment approach. Treatment for levoscoliosis follows similar principles as other types of scoliosis and may involve observation, bracing, or surgical correction depending on the degree of curvature and presence of symptoms.

Spine Hospitals in India:

Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi: Renowned for its specialized spine care services, ISIC offers state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive treatment options for various spine disorders and injuries.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai: The Spine Surgery department at Kokilaben Hospital is equipped with advanced technology and a team of experienced spine specialists, providing comprehensive care for spine-related conditions.

Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon: Medanta boasts a dedicated Spine Surgery department offering a wide range of treatment options for spinal disorders, including minimally invasive spine surgery, deformity correction, and spine tumor surgery.

Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon: Artemis Hospitals is known for its multidisciplinary approach to spine care, offering advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for spinal disorders, trauma, and deformities.

Fortis Hospital, Bangalore: The Spine Surgery department at Fortis Hospital in Bangalore provides specialized care for complex spine conditions, including degenerative spine disorders, spinal deformities, and spinal tumors.

Spine Surgeons in India:

Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Mumbai
Dr. Sajan K. Hegde, Bangalore
Dr. Hitesh Garg, New Delhi
Dr. Sandeep Vaishya, Gurgaon
Dr. Manish Vaish, Bangalore

In India, the cost of scoliosis surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the spinal curvature, the type of surgery required, the hospital or medical facility chosen, the surgeon's expertise, and any additional medical services or post-operative care needed. 

On average, the cost of scoliosis surgery in India may range from approximately 5000 USD to 15000 USD (INR 3,50,000 to INR 12,00,000) for straightforward cases. However, for more complex cases requiring extensive surgical intervention, the cost may be higher. This estimate typically covers expenses such as hospital fees, surgeon's fees, anesthesia charges, diagnostic tests, medical supplies, and post-operative care.

It's important to note that the actual cost of scoliosis surgery can vary significantly from patient to patient based on individual factors and treatment requirements. Additionally, patients may incur additional expenses for pre-operative evaluations, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments.

Patients considering scoliosis surgery in India are advised to consult with a qualified spine surgeon or medical facility to obtain a personalized treatment plan and a detailed cost estimate. Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer package deals or financing options to help patients manage the cost of surgery effectively.

Conclusion

Scoliosis surgery is a complex yet effective treatment option for individuals with severe spinal curvature, offering the opportunity for improved spinal alignment, symptom relief, and enhanced quality of life. Scoliosis treatment encompasses a range of approaches tailored to address the specific characteristics and severity of spinal curvature.