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PROCEDURES

Spinal Osteotomy

Conditions Treated

A spinal osteotomy can be used to treat various conditions affecting the spine, particularly those related to deformities, malalignments, or abnormalities in the spine’s curvature. Some of these conditions include:

  • Scoliosis An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine
  • Kyphosis A forward rounding of the upper back
  • Lordosis An excessive inward curvature of the spine, often in the lumbar region
  • Flat back syndrome A more horizontal or straight alignment of the lower back
  • Spondylolisthesis When one vertebrae slips forward over the one below it

Procedure Overview

The specific type of spinal osteotomy and the surgical approach taken depends on the nature and severity of the spinal condition, as well as the goals of the surgery. Some of these approaches include posterior column osteotomy (PCO), pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and vertebral column resection (VCR). Spinal osteotomies follow this general procedure:

  • Positioning and anesthesia The patient is positioned on the operating table, and general anesthesia is administered.
  • Incision A small incision is made in the skin over the targeted area of the spine.
  • Soft tissue dissection The surgeon carefully moves through the layers of soft tissue to access the spine.
  • Vertebral Exposure The surgeon exposes the affected vertebrae or spinal segment that requires correction. This may involve removing a portion of the lamina (laminectomy) or other bony structures to access the spine.
  • Osteotomy Using specialized instruments, the surgeon performs the osteotomy, which involves cutting and repositioning the bones in the spine. The goal is to correct the deformity or misalignment.
  • Fixation After the bones are repositioned, the surgeon uses hardware such as screws, rods, or plates to stabilize the spine and maintain the corrected alignment. Fusion techniques may also be employed to encourage bone growth and solidify the corrected position.
  • Closure The incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Recovery

The recovery process after a spinal osteotomy can vary depending on factors such as the specific procedure performed, the patient’s overall health, and the extent of the spinal deformity being addressed. Following surgery, patients will typically spend a few days in the hospital for initial recovery and monitoring. Patients are provided pain medication to manage postoperative discomfort. During the early recovery phase, patients may need to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting, bending, or twisting. Gradual mobility is encouraged, and patients may start with short walks as part of their early recovery. Depending on the type of osteotomy and fixation used, patients may need to wear a brace to provide support and stability to the spine during the initial stages of healing.

Physical therapy will gradually be introduced to help with strength, flexibility, and mobility. Full recovery from an osteotomy can take several months, and the timeline varies among individuals. Patients may experience improvements in pain, function, and spinal alignment over time. Patients must follow their surgeon’s postoperative instructions, attend scheduled follow-up appointments, and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms during the recovery process. Each patient’s recovery is unique, and the information provided here is a general guideline. Patients should consult with their surgeon to get personalized advice based on their specific condition and procedure.

A spinal osteotomy is a crucial procedure aimed at correcting spinal deformities. Surgery is often necessary for a comprehensive correction of the underlying cause of these deformities, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, or flat back syndrome. For patients experiencing symptoms related to spinal deformities, they should consider scheduling an appointment to discuss their condition and explore suitable treatment options tailored to their individual needs. Schedule an appointment at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis to learn more.
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Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact

Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.