Kyphosis Surgery: Types, Treatments & Cost

Spine is divided mainly into three sections, neck or cervical spine, mid back or thoracic spine and low back or lumbar spine. These portions have a particular, normal curve to it. Cervical Spine appears like a backward “C”, which is referred to as an alordotic curve. Thoracic Spine has a “C” shape with an opening in the front of human body, which is called a kyphotic curve. Like Cervical Spine, Lumbar Spine also has a backward “C” shape curve.

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a curvature in front to back plane of human body with the apex of curve regulated posteriorly. It remains as part of normal spine alignment and measures up to forty-five degrees. Kyphosis can have degrees of severity, from minor problems in the shape of spine to critical deformity, chronic pain, nerve problems, and other varying symptoms. Larger the abnormal curve, problem becomes more serious. Studies have proved that this number can also increase with age. Effective methods of treating Kyphosis have evolved over the span of time. In case of extreme complication, patient may opt for Kyphosis Correction Surgery.

Types & Causes of Kyphosis

1. Postural Kyphosis: Postural Kyphosis is also referred to as ‘Round Back’. It results from a poor body posture. This is most commonly seen in young adults.
2. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is a developmental type of Kyphosis which appears during the growth period. The exact cause of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis has not been discovered yet. Most researchers have advocated that damage to growth area of vertebrae begins the process.
3. Congenital Kyphosis: Congenital Kyphosis forms with some sort of weakness, such as incomplete formation of spine during birth. This can lead to a severe type of Kyphosis.
4. Post-Traumatic Kyphosis: Spinal injury can lead to progressive Kyphosis and nerve problems in spine. A vertebral fracture in lumbar spine causes some degree of post-traumatic Kyphosis and it is treated with either bracing or Kyphosis Correction Surgery. The choice will depend on the condition of patient.

Diagnosis of Kyphosis

In order to make appropriate diagnosis and rule out other conditions, the basic step is to take a history of the patient. If Kyphosis is suspected, doctor will look into the following specific conditions.

• Family History – Kyphosis may have a genetic cause. Doctors will want to know whether anyone in patient’s family has similar problem of spine.
• Time of Onset – When did the patient first notice the appearance of this spinal condition?
• Curve Progression – Doctors will examine whether Kyphosis curve is getting worse comparing it with the old X-rays of the patient. Doctors will decide by measuring the size of the curvature.
• Severity of Pain – Kyphosis may or may not produce pain. If there is pain, doctor needs to know whether there is any radicular pain.
• Bladder Dysfunction –It could be a signal of Kyphosis.
• Function of Muscle – Changes in function of muscle may be the result of pressure on patient’s spinal cord.
• Previous Surgery –Previous surgery may have caused Kyphosis due to poor muscles or other problems. For proper evaluation of patient, it is important that doctor knows about any spinal surgery the patient has undergone in the past.

The doctor will check flexibility of the patient by asking him to bend in different directions. Depending on result of physical examinations and prior X-rays, other tests may be ordered to examine specific aspects of spine. Usually, MRI is done to examine spinal cord and nerves, and a CT scan to get a clear picture of vertebral bones of patient.

Treatment for Kyphosis

Kyphosis has a variety of treatment options for patients. Most patients with Kyphosis can achieve excellent results like correction of abnormal curve to normal degree. There are two types of treatment for Kyphosis which are mentioned below:

• Conservative Treatment of Kyphosis

Whenever possible, conservative treatments should be chosen first for treating Kyphosis. Conservative treatments commonly involve exercise, medications and certain types of braces to support spine of patient. Use of a spinal brace may be helpful in providing some pain relief. However, it will not cause the back to straighten. Once the patient has reached skeletal maturity, backside bracing is used for pain relief rather than prevention of Kyphosis. Doctors may recommend a physical therapist & which will help in improving strength and mobility of back. It will also help the patient to perform daily activities with greater ease. Exercise when combined with bracing can be helpful for changing the Kyphotic curve. Conservative treatments address back strength & flexibility of muscles.

• Surgical Treatment for Kyphosis

Kyphosis Correction Surgery has some considerable risks. Kyphosis Surgery is only advised when expected benefits far outweigh risks. Doctors have many different procedures for Kyphosis Surgery depending on severity of health conditions. Every case of Kyphosis is somewhat distinct and requires a very specialized approach for best outcome. Kyphosis Surgery is advised to resolve several problems due to Kyphosis & not merely to straighten the spine. Goal of Kyphosis Surgery is to first straighten spine of the patient and then to unite vertebrae together into a solid bone. Doctors use some type of metal plates, screws or rods, to repair spine and hold the vertebrae in proper place while the fusion heals.

Surgical Risks

Kyphosis Surgery in adults comes with high risk for nerve injury. Possible complications include:

• Damage to nerves or spinal cord
• Non-healing of bony fusion
• Failure to improve
• Certain infections

Complications could result into more surgery, so patients should completely understand surgery related risks before proceeding for Kyphosis Surgery.

Cost of Kyphosis Correction Surgery

Kyphosis Correction Surgery in India is available at quite an affordable price. India offers an amazingly low cost for Kyphosis correction surgery starting from $9,500.

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