23 November 2018
The London Orthotic Consultancy opened its scoliosis clinic in 2017 and, since then, we have treated many patients non-surgically with a combination of physiotherapy and spinal bracing, using the Cheneau-Gensingen brace. Scoliosis is incredibly common – around three to four in every 1000 children in the UK are affected – with symptoms typically noticed between the ages of 10 and 15.
Above: Read about twelve-year-old patient Rares' scoliosis journey and his experience with bracing
Our treatment follows Schroth treatment, which uses physiotherapy and if appropriate a brace, to normalise the postural alignment of the spine through a series of customised exercises which are specific to each patient’s individual curve pattern. We have treated a wide age range of patients between the ages of three to 80 years old and recently held a scoliosis patient survey, of which we are proud to announce the results.
Part of the survey asked which part of the treatment package our scoliosis patients found to be the most supportive. The most appreciated forms of help and support throughout treatment were found to be, in order:
Above: Cobb angle improvements were marked as the most important indicator of improvement to patients, followed by avoidance of surgery, appearance and pain reduction.
Over 87% of patients surveyed said they were ‘Very Satisfied’ with treatment. Everyone surveyed said they were either ‘Satisfied’ or ‘Very Satisfied’ with treatment. All patients surveyed said they were either ‘Likely’ or ‘Very Likely’ to recommend treatment to other patients.
Again, 100% of patients surveyed said that improvements in their physical appearance – such as rib hump or postural alignment – had either met or exceeded their expectations since starting treatment. 100% of patients surveyed said that improvements in their Cobb angle had either met or exceeded their expectations since starting treatment.
If you would like to book an appointment with a scoliosis clinician, call our clinic on 020 8974 9989.
The operation used to treat severe scoliosis curves is typically spinal fusion surgery; a major procedure that involves moving muscles and realigning the skeleton into place. The curved, deformed vertebrae are fused together into a single bone, putting metal screws and rods into the spine to help straighten it. Surgery typically lasts between 4 and 8 hours depending on the severity of the curve. Bone graft is then taken from other parts of the body and used to cover the implants.
Following the operation, it is necessary to spend around a week in intensive care before returning home and the first few days are often uncomfortable. Most adolescents can expect to return to school from 2-4 weeks following surgery, but pain medication may be required up to 6 weeks following. A full recovery from the procedure can take up to a year, as it can take that long for the spine to heal fully.
Spinal fusion surgery causes the fused portion of the back to become permanently stiff, as a result, returning to sports that require large amounts of flexibility (ballet, yoga, gymnastics, dance) or contact (rugby, football, karate, hockey) may take longer.
Risks of spinal fusion surgery are like that of any other major procedure and include infection, blood clots and anaesthesia complications. The added risks include permanent nerve damage to the spine and paralysis.
