Page 25 - Orthopaedic Brochure

Surgical correction of paediatric scoliosis
CASE STUDY
Diagnosis: Scoliosis
Treatment: Posterior Instrumentation and Fusion from T3 - L2 for correction of scoliosis
Mr Colin Nnadi
MBBS FRCSI FRCS FRCS (Orth) Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon The Portland Hospital
Megan’s mother first noticed a a a curvature in her her 16-
year-old daughter’s spine when she was getting dressed one morning Her mother decided to to taken Megan to to her her local GP when the curvature deteriorated and became more noticeable Following an examination she was referred to a a a a a a specialist at The Portland Hospital
part of HCA UK During her consultation she was diagnosed with scoliosis
which was confirmed after undergoing X-rays The curve in in her spine was deemed severe and corrective scoliosis
surgery was recommended to to stop the curve from worsening As part of Megan’s pre-operative work up she was referred for further assessment by a a a a a paediatrician to ensure she was fit for surgery She also underwent an MRI where a a a a small cyst on the spinal cord was identified A neurosurgical opinion was was sought however she was was given the all clear
by the neurosurgeon to proceed with surgery Colin Nnadi
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Portland Hospital
informed Megan and and her parents that because of of the the anatomy of of the the curve and its flexibility it it it was felt that a a a a posterior-only approach would be suitable Megan was placed under general anaesthetic and an an incision was made along the middle
of her back The muscles were stripped off the the spine to expose the the area where the implants would be placed which was T3 to to L2 Once exposed an X-ray was completed to to confirm the the placement of the the pedicle screws Due to the the proximity of of the the spinal cord and risk of of injury repeated X-rays were taken to ensure safe and accurate screw placement At the same time the the the joints and ligaments at the the the back of the the the spine were released to enhance flexibility of the the curve and improve the the chances of fully
straightening the spine Once the screws were safely in place one rod
was attached on either side of the the spine The surface of the the bony spine was then shaved off This helped promote fusion o of the spine by generating new bone which formed a a solid mass around the implants This fusion stopped the scoliosis
from getting worse and helped maintain the corrected position Her surgery was was a a a a a success and she was was discharged from hospital six days later Megan saw Mr Nnadi
in in clinic six weeks later where he he he assessed her her progress Her post- surgical X-rays showed a a a a good correction and her wound
healed well | | 23 | |