Out of curiosity...

[Pooka1]

Just wondering...do most people have this measured ? My rib hump or amount of rotation, I guess, was measured at 12 a year after surgery and is now at 14 degrees. Is this typical? Until a year ago I didn't know such a measurement existed. It was almost like a weird level that was put on my back as I bent over. Janet

I have never seen anyone measure rotation on either of my kids. I have never seen a scoliometer in person. Clearly, though, the surgeon makes mental notes as to how much he will have to correct and be able to correct.

[pilar]

Janet,
Yes, my rib hump was measured and pre-op was 75 degrees, post-op is 37. I understand the logic of fusing and swelling, but I still se a bit more rib hump in my back now at almost 5 month post-op than 2 month post op. I am most def going to ask about this to Dr. Pashman at my 6 month visit. I'm might just be gaining weght or being paranoid. Here is the link to Dr. Pashman's measurements on my back.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php...type=1&theater

Pilar

[Pooka1]

Janet,
Yes, my rib hump was measured and pre-op was 75 degrees, post-op is 37. I understand the logic of fusing and swelling, but I still se a bit more rib hump in my back now at almost 5 month post-op than 2 month post op. I am most def going to ask about this to Dr. Pashman at my 6 month visit. I'm might just be gaining weght or being paranoid. Here is the link to Dr. Pashman's measurements on my back.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php...type=1&theater

Pilar

That 75* is for your kyphosis which is a SPINE hump in the middle of the back.

What folks are talking about in this thread as far as I can tell is an ASYMMETRICAL rib hump, usually on the right side due to rotation.

That said, with a 98* main curve, you must have had some significant rotation, much of which was removed but some remains based on the sagittal post op radiograph.

[Doodles]

Yes, Pooka, that's what I was referring to. Yes, I had a lot of rotation. Thanks for the info. Janet

[Doodles]

I now realize you were referring to Pilar who started with the 98. I wasn't far behind her at 96 so mine may not be so bad. As long as it doesn't progress more!

[Pooka1]

Yes I was commenting on Pilar's post. I guess kyphosis produces a hump also but it is not a rib hump... it is a spine hump.

Rib hump is pretty specific for the one-sided hump from the ribs protruding due to the rotation accompanying high-angle scoliosis (except in the hysterical cases).

[flowerpower]

That explanation makes absolutely no sense to me. Do you think the surgeon was saying that now that the rotation and curvature had been corrected, the ribs were now able to form properly?

No, that's not what I was saying at all. Sorry if you misunderstood or I didn't explain correctly, sometimes my thoughts don't transpose into type the way I mean to, especially if I'm in a rush.

During growth, the progressive curvature, rotation and asymetrical muscle force may cause the ribs to malform/become misshapen.
Once ribs are formed, they're formed. With surgical correction of curvature and rotation, it seems that most patients get satisfactory correction of the rib hump, even if there may be some slight malformation of the ribs. Not often, the ribs may malform to such a degree that even with good curvature/rotation correction a rib hump may still be quite measureable. My older son's curve correction is still holding 5 yrs. later at approx. 17T/10L, yet his rib hump still measures at approx. 18. Reasons: spine not as flexible as hoped and ribs were malformed. At younger son's appt. yesterday, curve is not even really measureable, less than 10T, and rib hump (measured with scoliometer) was 5. It remains to be seen if the rib hump measurement will change over the course of the year. There is still a little unevenness in the hips, but dr. feels that may still straighten itself out as the skeletal frame adjusts to its new position.

I hope I'm not coming across as negative or hysterical. Patients/decision makers should consider all angles of post surgery outcomes and maybe this will help someone in asking questions during their consultations - there is so much to consider it can make your head spin.

Linda, if you feel this is still unclear or incorrect info, feel free to delete it. I don't want to misinform or mislead anyone.

[LindaRacine]

No, that's not what I was saying at all. Sorry if you misunderstood or I didn't explain correctly, sometimes my thoughts don't transpose into type the way I mean to, especially if I'm in a rush.

During growth, the progressive curvature, rotation and asymetrical muscle force may cause the ribs to malform/become misshapen.
Once ribs are formed, they're formed. With surgical correction of curvature and rotation, it seems that most patients get satisfactory correction of the rib hump, even if there may be some slight malformation of the ribs. Not often, the ribs may malform to such a degree that even with good curvature/rotation correction a rib hump may still be quite measureable. My older son's curve correction is still holding 5 yrs. later at approx. 17T/10L, yet his rib hump still measures at approx. 18. Reasons: spine not as flexible as hoped and ribs were malformed. At younger son's appt. yesterday, curve is not even really measureable, less than 10T, and rib hump (measured with scoliometer) was 5. It remains to be seen if the rib hump measurement will change over the course of the year. There is still a little unevenness in the hips, but dr. feels that may still straighten itself out as the skeletal frame adjusts to its new position.

I hope I'm not coming across as negative or hysterical. Patients/decision makers should consider all angles of post surgery outcomes and maybe this will help someone in asking questions during their consultations - there is so much to consider it can make your head spin.

Linda, if you feel this is still unclear or incorrect info, feel free to delete it. I don't want to misinform or mislead anyone.

Sorry, I am still confused. The issue is increase in rib hump after spinal fusion, but it sounds like you're describing the malformation prior to surgery.

[flowerpower]

Sorry, I am still confused. The issue is increase in rib hump after spinal fusion, but it sounds like you're describing the malformation prior to surgery.

I was, as a reason that a rib hump might "reappear" post surgery once swelling has gone down, body settles, etc.

Are you talking about an increase in rib hump beyond pre-surgery measurement after fusion has taken place???

[littlebird]

While osteopenia and osteoporosis can cause kyphosis and/or scoliosis, they don't always.

--Linda

True, but for those of us that have kyphosis and, or, rib humps, bones that are soft are prone to bend with our curves. We can do something about this by being aggressive in our treatment of our osteopenia and osteoporosis. I have started working with a specialist.