Scoliosis Surgery Essay

A 15 year old Taylor Gomes was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 8. When she was 14, her curve had progressed, and her pediatrician knew it was time for her and her family to take a bigger step. It was time for a surgery to be performed on her, she had progress to 55 degrees. When the day arrived Taylor and her parents were confident as they could be. Several days after her surgery. Taylor has grown 2 inches after the surgery to correct the curve. Based on research scoliosis is best defined as a common spinal condition affecting over 3 million people in the United States per year. It is defined as a sideways curvature in the normally straight vertical path of the spine, scoliosis oftentimes surfaces during the rapid growth spurt (burst)

The goals of scoliosis surgery are straighten the spine as much as possible in a safe technique, balance the torso and pelvic areas, and maintain the correction long term. For instance fusing the vertebrae along the curve and supporting these fused bones with instrumentation (steel rods, hooks, and other devices) attached to the spine. Surgery is usually recommended for the following children and adolescents, In addition all young people whose skeletons have matured, and who have a curve greater than 45 degrees. Before the operation, the doctor conducts a complete physical examination to determine the leg lengths, muscle strength, lung function, and any postural abnormalities. In the fusion procedure the surgeon will slice flaps to uncover the backs of the vertebrae that lie along the curve, Remove the bony outgrowths along the vertebrae that allows the spine to twist and bend, being careful they touch the adjoining vertebrae, fold flaps back to their original position (covering the bone grafts, and the grafts will regenerate , grow to the bone, and fuse the vertebrae together. It takes about 3 months for the vertebrae to fuse significantly, although 1-2 years are required for fusion