Choosing the right scoliosis surgeon is crucial for effective treatment and optimal outcomes. Ensure that the surgeon you select has the necessary expertise and experience in treating scoliosis, particularly for your specific condition. Discuss your concerns and treatment options thoroughly to make an informed decision about your care. If you need help finding a scoliosis surgeon, let me know your location, and I can assist you further!Visit Our Hospital
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Paresh Bang
M.B.B.S, D.orth, DNB, Fellow in Spine Surgery
Consultant Spine Surgeon
Consultant Spine Surgeon
Dr. Paresh Bang is a young and dynamic Spine surgeon who is rendering his services in Nagpur. He has an experience of more than 12 years in the treatment of Spine problems.
Top Scoliosis Surgeon In Jabalpur
Top Scoliosis Surgeon
Scoliosis is medical condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Instead of a straight, vertical alignment, the spine curves sideways, forming a “C” or “S” shape. Scoliosis can affect individuals of any age, but it most commonly develops in adolescents during the growth spurt just before puberty. The condition can range from mild to severe, depending on degree of curvature and underlying causes.
A damaged spine can badly interfere with the harmonious functioning of our body, bringing a lot of unwelcome problems like severe pain, numbness and weakness in the arms and legs, breathing difficulties, digestion issues, and impairment of the bladder and bowel control.
There is a wide range of treatment possibilities for curing every kind of Spinal disorder, but not every Spine condition needs surgery owing to the methods like physiotherapy, medication, etc. that can be helpful in curing these problems.
Types of Scoliosis Surgeons:
1.Orthopedic Spine Surgeons
- Expertise: Specialize in musculoskeletal conditions, including scoliosis and other spinal deformities. They treat issues related to bones, muscles, and joints.
- Procedures: Perform surgeries such as spinal fusion, vertebral body tethering, and minimally invasive scoliosis surgery. They handle both congenital and degenerative scoliosis in adults and adolescents.
- Who They Treat: Both adults and children with scoliosis and other spinal deformities.
- Training: After completing a general orthopedic residency, they undergo fellowship training specifically in spine surgery.
2. Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons - Expertise: Specialize in treating children and adolescents with scoliosis, including congenital and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
- Procedures: Focus on growth-friendly surgical procedures such as growing rods and vertebral body tethering (VBT), which allow the spine to grow while controlling the curve.
- Who They Treat: Primarily infants, children, and teenagers. They are experienced in managing scoliosis in young patients, whose spines are still developing.
- Training: In addition to general orthopedic surgery, they complete additional training focused on pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities.
3. Neurosurgeons with Spine Specialization - Expertise: Neurosurgeons specializing in spinal surgery focus on conditions affecting the nerves and spinal cord, including scoliosis if it has neurological implications. They are particularly skilled in procedures involving nerve decompression and treating spinal cord complications.
- Procedures: In addition to scoliosis correction, they may perform surgeries related to spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and spinal tumors.
- Who They Treat: Typically handle scoliosis cases where nerve involvement is significant, or when there are complications affecting the spinal cord or nerves.
- Training: Neurosurgeons undergo specialized training in brain and spine surgery, including fellowship programs focused on spine and spinal deformities.
4. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons - Expertise: Focus on less invasive techniques to correct scoliosis, reducing tissue damage, recovery time, and postoperative pain. They often use advanced tools like robotic surgery and augmented reality guidance.
- Procedures: Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, such as lateral spine fusion, and techniques that avoid large incisions. They also perform minimally invasive spinal fusion & decompression procedures.
- Who They Treat: Adults and adolescents with scoliosis, particularly those who are seeking less invasive treatment options.
- Training: These surgeons typically come from either orthopedic or neurosurgery backgrounds and receive additional training in minimally invasive spine techniques.
5. Spinal Deformity Surgeons - Expertise: Focus exclusively on treating severe and complex spinal deformities, including advanced scoliosis. They often handle revision surgeries and cases where previous surgeries have failed.
- Procedures: Complex spinal reconstructions, multi-level spinal fusions, and revision surgeries for failed scoliosis corrections.
- Who They Treat: Both adults and children with severe scoliosis and other deformities like kyphosis and lordosis.
- Training: These surgeons usually have a background in orthopedic spine surgery with fellowship training in complex spinal deformities.
6. Physiatrists (Non-Surgical Spine Specialists) - Expertise: Focus on non-surgical treatments for scoliosis, such as bracing, physical therapy, and pain management. They work closely with spine surgeons to provide holistic care.
- Procedures: Non-surgical interventions like physical therapy, bracing, and pain management techniques.
- Who They Treat: Patients with mild to moderate scoliosis or those who want to avoid surgery.
- Training: Physiatrists undergo training in physical medicine and rehabilitation with additional specialization in non-surgical spine care.
Each type of scoliosis surgeon brings unique expertise, making it important to choose one based on the specific needs of the patient, the severity of scoliosis, and the desired treatment approach.
When to Consider Scoliosis Surgery:
1.Severe Curvature
Surgery is recommended when the spinal curve is greater than 40–50 degrees and continues to worsen. This threshold is considered significant because larger curves tend to progress over time, potentially leading to long-term health issues like lung and heart problems.
Curves over 50 degrees in adolescents and adults often progress, making surgery necessary to prevent further deformity and maintain spinal stability.
2. Rapid Progression
If the spinal curve worsens quickly, especially in adolescents during growth spurts, surgery may be needed to prevent further progression. In case bracing is ineffective in halting the curve, surgery becomes a more effective for long-term solution.
3. Severe Pain or Functional Limitations
Although scoliosis itself doesn’t always cause pain, adults with degenerative scoliosis or those whose curvature leads to nerve compression might experience severe back pain, leg pain, or limited mobility. Surgery can relieve pressure on nerves, correct deformities, and improve quality of life.
Surgery may be recommended for patients with disabling pain that cannot be managed through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or medication.
4. Cosmetic Concerns
While cosmetic reasons alone do not usually justify surgery, significant disfigurement or a visibly pronounced curve can lead to emotional distress, particularly in adolescents. For patients where this causes a substantial impact on self-esteem or social interactions, surgery may be considered.
5. Impact on Lung and Heart Function
Severe scoliosis can compromise lung and heart function if the rib cage is compressed or twisted, reducing the space available for the organs. This occurs most frequently with thoracic scoliosis (curvature in the middle of the spine). Surgery can help restore proper alignment and prevent respiratory or cardiac issues.
6. Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments
For some patients, non-surgical treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, or pain management fail to stop the curve from progressing or relieve symptoms. In such cases, surgery may be the next step to address the problem more effectively.
Common Surgical Procedures for Scoliosis:
- Spinal Fusion:
- The most common surgery for scoliosis. It involves joining two or more vertebrae to prevent further curvature.
- Bone grafts or implants may be used to facilitate fusion.
- Can be performed using traditional open surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
- Posterior or Anterior Spinal Fusion:
- Depending on the type and location of the scoliosis, surgeons may approach the spine from the back (posterior) and the front (anterior).
- Instrumentation:
- Surgeons often use rods, screws, and hooks to stabilize the spine during fusion surgery.
- Vertebral Body Tethering:
- A newer technique that involves placing a flexible cord (tether) on the convex side of the spine to allow growth on that side while limiting growth on the concave side. This is primarily used in growing children and adolescents.
Recovery After Scoliosis Surgery:
1.Hospital Stay (3–7 Days)
- Immediately after surgery: Patients are usually in the hospital for 3–7 days. During this period, they are closely monitored, especially for pain, wound healing, and mobility. Patients may start walking within a day or two with assistance.
- Pain management: Pain is controlled through a combination of IV medications, oral painkillers, and sometimes nerve blocks.
- Breathing exercises: Patients are encouraged to do it to reduce the risk of lung complications.
2. First Few Weeks Post-Surgery (2–6 Weeks) - At home: After discharge, patients are advised to continue resting and taking care of their incision site. Physical activity should be minimal, but short, light walks around the house are encouraged to promote circulation and healing.
- Limited mobility: Most patients will wear a brace to support their spine as it heals. Movements like bending, lifting heavy objects, or twisting the spine should be avoided.
- Wound care: Patients are instructed on how to care for their surgical wound to prevent infection.
3. 6–12 Weeks Post-Surgery - Physical therapy: Around 6 weeks after surgery, patients may start physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve mobility.
- Return to light activities: Most patients can return to light daily activities, such as short walks and mild household tasks. However, strenuous activities or exercises should still be avoided.
4. 3–6 Months Post-Surgery - Improved mobility: By this stage, most patients have regained a significant range of motion and strength. Pain typically decreases, and patients may gradually increase their activity levels.
- Back to work/school: Depending on the type of work and physical demands, some patients can return to work or school after 3 months. Those with physically demanding jobs may need more time before resuming full duties.
5. 1 Year and Beyond - Complete recovery: It usually takes 6 to 12 months. By this time, most patients can return to normal activities, including sports and exercise, though certain high-impact activities may be limited depending on the surgeon’s recommendations.
- Spinal fusion: If spinal fusion surgery was performed, the bones will continue to fuse over time, and regular check-ups with the surgeon will ensure that the fusion is successful and stable.
6.Long-.Term Outcomes - Pain management: Most patients experience significant pain relief after surgery, although some may continue to have mild discomfort for a while.
- Scarring: The surgical scar will fade over time, but its visibility depends on the surgical approach (posterior vs. anterior).
- Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with X-rays will be needed to ensure that the spine heals correctly and the curvature does not return.
Finding a Scoliosis Surgeon:
- Referrals: Start by asking your primary care physician or pediatrician for recommendations. They may refer you to a reputable specialist.
- Scoliosis Clinics: Look for specialized clinics or hospitals with a focus on spinal disorders. They often have a team of experts in scoliosis management.
- Professional Organizations: Organizations like the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) have directories to find certified scoliosis surgeons.
- Patient Reviews: Research surgeons online, checking for patient reviews and their success rates with scoliosis surgeries.Contact Us