Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Kyphosis surgery
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In patients with progressive kyphotic deformity due to vertebral collapse, a procedure called a kyphoplasty may arrest the deformity and relieve the pain.
Surgery
Surgery
Surgical treatment can be used in severe cases. In patients with progressive kyphotic deformity due to vertebral collapse, a procedure called a kyphoplasty may arrest the deformity and relieve the pain. The procedure is serious and consists of fusion and can cause a risk to the abnormal vertebrae.
The risk of undergoing spinal fusion surgery for kyphosis, like in scoliosis, is estimated to be 5%. As early as five years after surgery another 5% require reoperation and today it is not yet clear what to expect from spine surgery in the long-term.[1][2] Taking into account that signs and symptoms of spinal deformity cannot be changed by surgical intervention, surgery remains to be a cosmetic indication.[1][3] Unfortunately, the cosmetic effects of surgery are not necessarily stable.[1] In case one decides to undergo surgery, a specialized center should be preferred.
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Hawes M. 2006. Impact of spine surgery on signs and symptoms of spinal deformity. Pediatr Rehabil. Oct-Dec;9(4):318-39.
- ↑ Weiss HR, Goodall D: Rate of complications in scoliosis surgery – a systematic review of the Pub Med literature. Scoliosis. 2008 Aug 5;3:9.
- ↑ Hawes MC, O’Brien JP. 2008. A century of spine surgery: What can patients expect? Disabil Rehabil. 30(10):808-17.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]