Neurospine Hospital & Revive Critical Care
Spinal Deformity (congenital & acquired) Correction and Stabilization
Home / Spinal Deformity Correction and Stabilization
What is Spinal Deformity
A spinal deformity is the abnormal bending or rotation of the spine in one or more directions. The spine normally has two gentle curves when observed from the side and appears to be straight when observed from the front. Exaggeration of these normal spinal curvatures can lead to spinal deformities which need to be corrected by surgical means. Spinal deformities may be caused by various conditions including: kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis and fractures.
Different surgical approaches are used based on the type of deformity, location of the curvature and severity of deformity and symptoms.
Types of Spinal Deformities
- Kyphosis is a spinal deformity which causes excessive rounding of the upper back, typically appearing as a hunchback.
- Scoliosis is the abnormal sideways curvature of the spine resembling an ‘S’ curve or ‘C’ curve.
- Lordosis is a condition causing excessive inward curvature of the spine.
Deformity Correction and Stabilization procedure
- Anterior approach: The surgeon approaches the spinal column from the front region of the spine through an incision on the chest-wall.
- Posterior approach: The surgeon approaches the spinal column through an incision on the mid portion of the back.
- Anterior and posterior approach: The surgeon approaches the spinal column through a combination of both anterior and posterior approaches.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive surgical technique which uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera to gain access to the spine through incisions in the chest.
Indications of Deformity Correction and Stabilization
- Spinal deformities with progressive symptoms interfering with organ function.
- Kyphosis of 70 degrees or more
- Scoliosis of 45 degrees or more
- Deformities causing compression of spinal cord and nerve roots
- Deformities of highly progressive magnitudes
- Deformities resulting from fractures, generally caused by osteoporosis.