Scoliosis

We are specialists in:

• Early-onset scoliosis.
• Spinal tumors in children and adolescents.
• Idiopathic scoliosis.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where there is abnormal curvature of the spine. This curvature can be mild to severe and can worsen over time if not properly treated.

The large majority of cases of scoliosis have an unknown cause, although some cases are caused by problems with the spinal column (congenital malformations, injury, nerve or muscle diseases or genetic mutations).

Diagnosing scoliosis

Scoliosis can be diagnosed by a physical examination, in which the physician will assess the curvature of the spine. If scoliosis is suspected to be present, an X-ray will be ordered to confirm the severity of the curvature.

In some cases, further testing may be needed to determine the cause of the scoliosis.

Signs of spinal scoliosis:

• Uneven shoulders.
• Curved spine.
• Uneven hips.

Treating scoliosis

Treatment for scoliosis in children depends on the severity of the curvature and the child’s age.

In milder cases, it can be sufficient for the child to attend regular check-ups to monitor progression of the curvature. In more severe cases, an orthopedic corset brace may be required to correct the curvature.

In very severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Pioneers in innovative surgical techniques to treat scoliosis

We offer a broad range of spinal surgical procedures, including non-fusion techniques for idiopathic scoliosis, with surgical navigation and personalised 3D modelling for improved efficiency and precision.

Using augmented reality, the orthopedic surgery team has access to real-time images of the surgical zone overlaid with images of the surgical plan. This juxtapositioning of images allows the team to carry out the procedure as planned, and results in 94% of screws being precisely fitted into their required location in the patient’s spine to correct the curvature.

This new technology results in an obvious reduction to the likelihood of reintervention.

Augmented reality is particularly useful when taking anatomical reference images is difficult, such as in cases of very severe deformities, when the vertebrae are abnormally shaped (skeletal dysplasia) and there is also some kind of vertebral malformation.

In addition, healthcare professionals feel that augmented reality technology will be especially useful for non-invasive procedures in cases of less severe scoliosis that do not require bone resection, and which, until now, have been approached via open surgery.