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Physician outlines minimally invasive surgical procedure for children with scoliosis
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A recently published article has outlined a minimally invasive technique for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The procedure was detailed in an article published in Scoliosis.
“Minimally invasive techniques have been utilized for multilevel pathology, including adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis,” study author Vishal Sarwahi, MD, wrote. “The next logical step is to apply minimally invasive surgical techniques to the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.”
According to a Montefiore Medical Center press release, Sarwahi has performed seven of the procedures and followed the patients for 2 years. Reportedly, the best candidates are adolescent patients with a routine spinal curvature of 40· to 70·.
The procedure, according to the study, uses three small midline skin incisions to facilitate passage of contoured rods and pedicle screw placement free of image guidance. The technique also reportedly “allows adequate facet osteotomy to enable fusion.”
The minimally invasive technique takes longer than open surgery, Sarwahi stated in the release, but he added he believes the time in the operating room will be reduced as the procedure is performed in greater numbers.
“This new procedure to correct curvature of the spine involves three small incisions in the back, as opposed to standard open surgery, which requires a 2-foot incision in the back,” Sarwahi stated in the release. “While there are significant technical challenges in the new procedure, it has proved as effective as open surgery and involves less blood loss during surgery, shorter hospital stays, relatively less pain and pain medication and helps patients become mobile sooner.”
Still, Sarwahi noted, it is important to remain cautious while the procedure and its results are further tested.
“Although there are multiple perceived benefits, long-term data is needed before it can be recommended for routine use,” he wrote in the study.
Reference:
- Sarwahi V, Wollowick AL, Sugarman EP, et al. Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery: An innovative technique in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis. 2011. doi:10.1186/1748-7161-6-16
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