Kyphosis Surgery

Definition of Kyphosis Surgery

Kyphosis, which occurs when the spine is tilted forward more than usual and is common humpback is a deformity of the spine known as. Pronounced kyphosis can be both visually disturbing and, in advanced cases, lead to health problems such as pain and breathing problems. Kyphosis surgeryis a surgical intervention aimed at correcting the natural curvature of the spine, which is performed especially in cases of severe humps. Thanks to this operation, the curvature of the spine is corrected as much as possible, the patient is aimed at achieving an upright posture, reducing pain and relieving pressure on the internal organs. As a result, kyphosis surgery is an important spinal surgery performed to improve the patient's quality of life and eliminate the negative effects of the hump.

How Is Kyphosis Surgery Done?

Kyphosis surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually with an operation performed from the posterior (posterior) part of the spine. The surgeon fixes the vertebrae by inserting metal screws and rods into the spine to ensure that the vertebrae align properly (spinal instrumentation and fusion). Sometimes bone cuts according to the degree of rigidity of the curvature (osteotomy) may need to be done. With osteotomy, the shape of the vertebrae is corrected and further correction is provided. In order to ensure the safety of the spinal cord during surgery, neuromonitoring devices are used, so that stresses that may occur by constantly monitoring nerve functions are detected instantly. Kyphosis surgery is a comprehensive procedure that typically takes several hours and may involve one or more surgical stages depending on the patient's condition. If necessary, the spine can also be intervened anteriorly in the case of very advanced deformities, but in most cases, back interventions are sufficient. At the end of the operation, a special corset can be worn on the patient to maintain the new position of the spine.

(Note: The techniques used during kyphosis surgery are quite complex; for example, with bone incisions called “osteotomy” in rigid spinal curvatures, the spine angle is corrected. This surgery is usually performed by orthopaedics or neurosurgeons who are experienced in spinal surgery.)

Who is it suitable for?

Kyphosis surgery, in which the angle of the hump is usually too high (especially Exceeding 70—80 degrees) and is considered in cases where it leads to serious complaints in the patient. People who may be candidates can be listed as follows:

• Those With Severe Humpbacks: Patients with an advanced degree of curvature of the spine, a posture disorder in everyday life becomes noticeable, and the hump is noticeable from the outside.
  
  
• Those who experience pain and loss of function: Patients who suffer from chronic back or lower back pain due to kyphosis, experience restricted movement, or develop neurological symptoms (such as numbness, weakness).
  
  
• Those who do not respond to other treatments: Patients whose condition cannot be adequately improved by conservative methods such as physical therapy, exercise and the use of corsets, and whose kyphosis angle progresses.
  
  
• Young Patients and Progressive Kyphosis: Especially occurring during adolescence Scheuermann kyphosis In progressive humps, such as, surgery is recommended when the curvature exceeds a certain angle (for example ~80°). In addition, in children with congenital (congenital) kyphosis, which quickly worsens at the age of growth, surgery may also be on the agenda.
  
  
• Cosmetics and Psychosocial Problems: Adult patients who experience problems such as loss of self-confidence due to the external appearance of the hump, social withdrawal and who will benefit from surgery.
  
  

On the other hand, when deciding on surgery, the patient's general health status, age and possible benefits of the surgery, as well as the risks are carefully evaluated. In patients with mild kyphosis and minimal complaints, exercise and posture treatments may be preferred instead of surgery. In patients with deformities that require kyphosis surgery, this intervention is important in order to prevent the hump from progressing and leading to more serious health problems.

Possible Risks and Complications

Like all major surgical interventions, kyphosis surgery has some risks and the potential for complications. Since kyphosis surgery is a procedure related to the spine and nervous system, it is important to know the risks and take measures accordingly:

• Neurological Complications: The most important risk in kyphosis surgery is injury to the spinal cord or nerve roots during the operation. This condition can lead to temporary or permanent nerve damage. Very rarely, there is a risk of loss of strength in the legs or developing paralysis (paraplegia, tetraplegia). To minimize this risk, nerve messages are constantly monitored during surgery with special neuromonitoring devices.
  
  
• Infection: In spinal surgeries, infection can occur at the surgery site. If infection develops, antibiotic therapy and sometimes additional surgical interventions may be required. The provision of sterile conditions and the use of preventive antibiotics are standard to reduce this risk.
  
  
• Bleeding and Vascular Damage: Since there are rich vascular structures around the spine, there is a risk of serious bleeding during surgery. Blood transfusions can be performed if necessary. In addition, injury to large vessels is possible, albeit rarely.
  
  
• The Problem of Boiling in the Spine: The fusion (fusion) procedure for fixing the vertebrae in surgery can sometimes fail. In this case, if the vertebrae do not fully boil (pseudoarthrosis), the spine can be re-curved or relaxation can be observed in the implants. In such a situation, corrective surgery may be required.
  
  
• Problems with Hardware (Implant): Stuck screws or rods can very rarely cause problems such as misplacing, breaking, or disturbing surrounding tissues (screw irritation). Such situations may also require additional intervention.
  
  
• Problem at Neighboring Levels: Over time, new curvatures or problems due to overload may develop in the spine segments adjacent to the surgically corrected region of the spine. Such changes are monitored with long-term follow-up of patients.
  
  
• Risks Associated with Anesthesia: As with any surgery, kyphosis surgery performed under general anesthesia also has general risks such as allergic reaction to anesthesia, respiratory problems or clot formation (embolism).
  
  

Many of these risks are rare and are tried to be minimized by meticulous planning before surgery, the selection of experienced surgeons and the use of modern techniques. At Central Hospital Istanbul before each surgery, the possible risks are explained to our patients in detail and all preventive measures are taken.

Healing Process

Recovery after kyphosis surgery can take several months, depending on the extent of the surgery performed and the general condition of the patient. After the operation, the patient is kept for some time in intensive care, and then under observation in the ward. In the first days it is normal to have pain in the area of surgery, these pains are controlled with painkillers. The length of stay in the hospital is usually 5-7 days is in between; during this time the patient is encouraged to stand up and walk.

The recovery process after discharge continues at home. Corset use may be required for several months according to the doctor's recommendation. In the first weeks after surgery, it is important not to lift heavily, lean forward and avoid sudden movements. approximate 4-6 weeks then the patient comes to the condition that he can return to daily light activities. But since it takes longer for the spine to fully boil and strengthen, the process of full recovery and return to normal is approximately 6 months It may take as much time. At the end of this period, patients usually feel a pronounced relief and improvement of posture, compared to before surgery, with a flat spine.

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after kyphosis surgery. Our patients are given a physiotherapy program with the recommendation of our doctors, starting a few weeks after the surgical intervention. In the process of this physical therapy, the muscles around the spine are strengthened, the patient's posture habits are corrected, and a safe return to everyday life is ensured. During the recovery period, controls should not be interrupted and the doctor's instructions should be followed to the letter. Thanks to this, it is possible for the surgical site to heal healthily and the correction obtained to be permanent.

Kyphosis Surgery at Central Hospital Istanbul

Kyphosis surgeries at Central Hospital Istanbul are performed by our experienced orthopedics and neurosurgery specialists specializing in spinal surgery. Before surgery, our patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation; all necessary imaging examinations are performed and the cause and degree of kyphosis are determined. An individual surgical planning is made for each patient and detailed information is given about the benefits and possible risks that the surgery will bring.

The operating rooms in our hospital have the advanced technological equipment required in spine surgery. During kyphosis operations neuromonitoring With support, spinal cord and nerve functions are monitored endlessly, thus providing a safe surgical environment. After surgery, our patients are closely monitored in our intensive care unit and monitored by our experienced intensive care team.

As Central Hospital Istanbul, we offer comprehensive support to our patients who have undergone kyphosis surgery after surgery. In our physical therapy and rehabilitation department, tailor-made exercise programs are implemented so that our patients recover faster and more properly. In addition, trainings are provided to maintain the health of the spine and to acquire correct posture habits. With regular check-ups scheduled after surgery, the recovery process of our patients is closely monitored.

With our reassuring and patient-focused approach, patients undergoing kyphosis surgery at Central Hospital Istanbul are supported both medically and psychologically. Our goal is that each of our patients can continue their daily life confidently and painlessly by getting a healthy spine.

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