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  • Thoracoplasty

    To all of you who've had Thoracoplasty, please let me know how painful it was and how long the recovery was? How long did it hurt? How soon were you able to start getting out? I know it takes 2 to 3 months to heal completely but are you in pain that long as well. Just trying to help my daughter with her decision on whether to have this procedure done. Thanks much.

    Cheryl M
    NCM

  • #2
    Hi Cheryl M--

    This is Chris and we corresponded regarding thorocoplasty doctors before I believe. Just wanted to let you know that I found a doctor who has performed this procedure before (approx. 100 times) here in Greensboro. He's Dr. Cohen of the Greensboro Orthopedics and is a spine specialist. From what he advised the surgery is painful with discomfort for the first week and usually takes about 6 weeks to 3 months to return to full activities. He even advised that I would be able to have the thorocoplasty done and go home the next day with a recovery for about a week. He said there is a small chance that I would need a chest tube, and if this was the case I would need to stay in the hospital a few extra days. He said that typically he takes out about 2-3 inch segments of ribs, but not more than 5 ribs during one procedure. He said it results in a partial improvement. The only draw back is that he has never done this procedure separate of a fusion. He always does them together, although he says there is no difference.

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    • #3
      Thanks Chris, we're still trying to decide what to do. This information is really helpful.

      My best to you on your decision. Keep us posted!

      Cheryl
      NCM

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      • #4
        re: Thoracoplasty

        Cheryl,

        My daughter, 14 just had a posterior spinal fusion with thoracoplasty 11 days ago and is doing great. They did 5 ribs. She was in the hospital for 4 days. Her pain is getting better each day. The only real pain she had was when laying on her side, it hurt, but now it's getting better with time. I can't believe how well she is doing. She has been very positive about the whole surgery and never was scared. I worried a lot, but she has been fine. Good luck.

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        • #5
          Scoliparent,

          You sound like me. My daughter is so fine with everything. Even a 2nd surgery. I just hate it with everything in me that she has to do this again. Although, our doctor has assured us that this surgery won't even compare to the first. I pray he's right.

          Cheryl
          NCM

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          • #6
            thorocoplasty

            I just found this forum and saw your post. I know it has been a long time since you posed the questin. I'm an adult >50 who had a fusion when I was 13 or 14. No rods, just fusion with 6 months immobilization. About 6 years ago I elected to have a thorocoplasty to try to decrease my rib hump (which I hate). I went to a neurosurgeon in Indianapolis who does the procedure. He did an endoscopic procedure. I was in the hospital for about 5 days due to the chest tube but was able to return to normal activity when released. It was very uncomfortable and I was on pain pills for about three months. Eventually, it went away. I'm not sure the rib hump was decreased as much as I had hoped for. I'm having lower back pain and sometime shooting pain down my leg. I wish I knew if there was something that could be done before I get any older.

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