SPINE SURGERY

SPINAL DEFORMITIES

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Scoliosis

Kyphosis

The human spine has natural curves that work together to allow a person to stand up, straight and tall. There are four different curves, two lordotic and two kyphotic curves that alternate to create an “S” like shape. Both conditions require care to help alleviate discomfort. Scoliosis and other spinal deformities present themselves when there is an abnormality within the balance of these natural curves. These types of spinal deformities can significantly interfere with a patient’s quality of life.

SCOLIOSIS

Adult scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in patients who have finished growing. This condition affects more than 1.1 million people in Canada. In these patients, their spine curves abnormally to the right or left side and also involves a twisting or rotation of the bones of the spine. While many patients with adult scoliosis do not have any specific symptoms, as the vertebrae rotate, this may cause physical change in the appearance of the patient’s back. It may also lead to painful degeneration of the spine leading to back pain, nerve pain, or in severe cases alter lung and heart function. Most patients never require surgical treatment. For patients with symptomatic scoliosis, a number of non-operative treatment options are available to help treat pain and maximize function.

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KYPHOSIS

Kyphosis is a rounding of the back and can cause back pain and an abnormally curved spine. The most common form of kyphosis is postural kyphosis which can be consciously corrected by standing up straight. For these patients there is no structural abnormality. However, for patients with structural kyphosis, such as Scheurmann’s kyphosis, they are unable to consciously straighten their spine. They may notice difficulty standing upright or have ongoing back or leg pain. Treatment for a kyphosis abnormality depends on multiple factors including the patient’s age, size of curve, underlying cause, and symptoms.

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