5 research outputs found

    Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery: an innovative technique in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

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    Minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming more common in the treatment of adult lumbar degenerative disorders. Minimally invasive techniques have been utilized for multilevel pathology, including adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis. The next logical step is to apply minimally invasive surgical techniques to the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, there are significant technical challenges of performing minimally invasive surgery on this patient population. For more than two years, we have been utilizing minimally invasive spine surgery techniques in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We have developed the present technique to allow for utilization of all standard reduction maneuvers through three small midline skin incisions. Our technique allows easy passage of contoured rods, placement of pedicle screws without image guidance, and allows adequate facet osteotomy to enable fusion. There are multiple potential advantages of this technique, including: less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, earlier mobilization, and relatively less pain and need for pain medication. The operative time needed to complete this surgery is longer. We feel that a minimally invasive approach, although technically challenging, is a feasible option in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Although there are multiple perceived benefits, long term data is needed before it can be recommended for routine use

    Optimizing Outcomes in the Management of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

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    Degenerative spondylolisthesis is one of the most commonly treated disorders in the adult spine surgeon's practice. However, in spite of the high prevalence of this disorder, there is no uniform agreement among surgeons about optimal treatment. This paper reviews the current literature regarding treatment options. Three key points were found. First, evaluation of available outcomes data reveals that surgical treatment of patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis is superior to nonsurgical care. Second, when traditional laminectomy is performed in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, adding a spinal fusion appears to improve the outcome of surgery. Last, reliable assessment of the effectiveness of other surgical interventions such as intraspinous spacers and dynamic stabilization will require better designed studies that directly compare these techniques to other, more established, procedures
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