Uneven ribs one year post-op?

[jesscv]

yeah, i had a pretty good correction too. i had a thoracic curve of 57 degrees at the time of my surgery - also had compensatory cervical and lumbar curves of around 40 degrees. now, my cervical and lumbar curves are non-existent (about 2 degrees!) and my thoracic curve is 18 degrees.

[LindaRacine]

Linda, Regarding your comment, how would you describe the cosmetic correction even thought the rib deformity remains? Thanks, Joy

Hi Joy...

Sorry, but I don't understand your question.

--Linda

[joyfull]

Linda, If the rib deformity remains, what is actually corrected? How does the hump go down if it remains deformed? Does one seem taller, so that the deformity is less noticeable? I guess I'm asking what is real correction and what is perceived correction? I hope that is clearer. Thanks, Joy

[LindaRacine]

Hi Joy...

When the spine is de-rotated, the rib cage goes along with it. Look at this picture:

http://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com...ing/wing-5.png

When the spine and rib cage are de-rotated, the ribs that you see on the left (as you're looking at the picture), become less prominent in the back and more prominent in the front. The right side (as you're looking at it), gets less prominent in the front and more prominent in the back.

Does that answer your question?

--Linda

[joyfull]

Thanks, Linda. It sounds better that what I have now!

[txmarinemom]

Hi Joy...

When the spine is de-rotated, the rib cage goes along with it. Look at this picture:

http://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com...ing/wing-5.png

When the spine and rib cage are de-rotated, the ribs that you see on the left (as you're looking at the picture), become less prominent in the back and more prominent in the front. The right side (as you're looking at it), gets less prominent in the front and more prominent in the back.

Does that answer your question?

--Linda

This wasn't at all the case with me: I wonder why?

[jesscv]

why is that?? weird.

[titaniumed]

Rotation of vertebrae has a profound effect on rib shape.

With some of our corked spines, our ribs grow and reshape accordingly. Actually its amazing how everything gets squeezed and reshaped through the years. (pre-surgery)

Straighten and counter rotate and sometimes our shapes might not be so perfect, but it is an improvement.

Everyone is different in their own ways. Its nice to be unique.... I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Im sure Sharon would agree even with twins. Individuality is the greatest virtue.

We are all very attractive in our own very special ways.....
Ed

[txmarinemom]

Everyone is different in their own ways. Its nice to be unique.... I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I'm going to go out on a limb here: I think you're 100% secure in your uniqueness!

Vive la difference, my friend.

[titaniumed]

Yup

Pam,

You know me so well, you didnt even look at my Kenny Rogers photo.

I know, its a repeat. LOL

Ed

[txmarinemom]

What? You posted a photo?

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Ed,

I always look at your photos (haha), but it looks like you've changed a bit since your last photo. But you are still dead sexy!

Thanks for giving me a smile.

[LindaRacine]

Pam...

I think you may have misconstrued my statement of "more prominent." (Or, more likely, I wasn't clear.) I meant it in the way that the ribs are more prominent than they were previously (when they were actually behind the normal plane). In most cases, the ribs that are now forward from their previous position, don't actually break the normal plane. But, it's not terribly uncommon to see someone who has a prominent 12th rib on the left side after surgery.

--Linda

[jesscv]

I'm a little confused by that statement... can you further explain?

[LindaRacine]

Hi Jess...

I'm not sure I can explain further, but I'll try. If you think about your rib cage, and how the ribs are deformed. For example:

http://www.rad.washington.edu/static...ok/RibHump.gif

When the spine deformity is corrected, the ribs don't change shape, but they are rotated into more of a normal position.

Does that help?

--Linda