My 2 cents/experience
Progression of 1-3 degrees a year: Do the math.
A significantly curved spine brings all the internal organs along with it.
I never even think of cosmesis being an indication for surgery; if it looks that bad it will only get worse.
60deg curves can result in lung impairment-I cited several studies in an earlier post. This happened to me and I actually lost lung tissue. Lost lung tissue does not come back.
Regarding pedicle screws in older persons-like me(67). I am 6 years post revision with Isola rods, pedicle screws, laminar wires, and cages. Guess what! I am pain free, still able to work and have a normal life. Without the surgery I would be disabled and a burden on my dear husband and family. I give significant help to my 92 year old mom--who is bent and twisted. Her curve was barely noticeable when I was a child--and it still progressed!!!
Alternative methods helped me reduce pain but did not stop the progression and loss of lung capacity. At age 52 my major curve was 62 degrees by age 59 it was 80 deg.
If a curve is significant at skeletal maturity wishing, hoping and arguing will not stop it. Surgery has definitely shown to reduce curves permanently most of the time. Before the advent of surgery traction was tried along with exercises and braces. That was all they had. I had a patient a few months ago whose scoliosis was so bad she needed a ventilator. She was 74. She has no other medical problems and her scoliosis was going to kill her.
Progression of 1-3 degrees a year: Do the math.
A significantly curved spine brings all the internal organs along with it.
I never even think of cosmesis being an indication for surgery; if it looks that bad it will only get worse.
60deg curves can result in lung impairment-I cited several studies in an earlier post. This happened to me and I actually lost lung tissue. Lost lung tissue does not come back.
Regarding pedicle screws in older persons-like me(67). I am 6 years post revision with Isola rods, pedicle screws, laminar wires, and cages. Guess what! I am pain free, still able to work and have a normal life. Without the surgery I would be disabled and a burden on my dear husband and family. I give significant help to my 92 year old mom--who is bent and twisted. Her curve was barely noticeable when I was a child--and it still progressed!!!
Alternative methods helped me reduce pain but did not stop the progression and loss of lung capacity. At age 52 my major curve was 62 degrees by age 59 it was 80 deg.
If a curve is significant at skeletal maturity wishing, hoping and arguing will not stop it. Surgery has definitely shown to reduce curves permanently most of the time. Before the advent of surgery traction was tried along with exercises and braces. That was all they had. I had a patient a few months ago whose scoliosis was so bad she needed a ventilator. She was 74. She has no other medical problems and her scoliosis was going to kill her.
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