Research on Scoliosis Surgery in India

1. Scoliosis surgery in India has an estimated total cost of USD 9,000, influenced by various factors.
2. India’s success rate for scoliosis surgery is around 85-90%, making it one of the top countries for this medical procedure worldwide.
3. Notable experts in the field of scoliosis surgery in India include Dr. Sanjeev Dua, Dr. Arun Saroha, and Dr. Hitesh Garg. The most reputable hospitals for scoliosis surgery in India are Max Patparganj, Max Saket, and Artemis Hospital.
4. Patients can expect to undergo a six-day procedure in the hospital, followed by a 21-day stay in India.

Scientific Overview of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal C or S-shaped lateral curve in the spine. The spinal curve typically measures at least 10 degrees, and it can occur at different levels and sides of the spine. Patients with scoliosis may exhibit uneven hip or shoulder alignment. This condition mostly affects children aged 10-14 years and is more common in females. The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown, but advancements in the medical field continue to improve its prognosis.

Diagnostic Indicators of Scoliosis

The following signs may indicate the presence of scoliosis:

1. Asymmetrical shoulder positioning
2. More pronounced hip on one side
3. Uneven waistline
4. Prominent ribs on one side
5. Spinal rotation
6. Difficulty breathing
7. Back pain
8. Forward head posture

Causes of Scoliosis

The cause of scoliosis is mostly unknown but could include one or more of these factors:

1. Spinal cord defects from birth
2. Heredity
3. Cerebral palsy – a neurological disorder that impacts movement, learning, hearing, vision, and thinking
4. Spine injury or infection
5. Muscular dystrophy – a disorder that creates muscle weakness
6. Spine injury or infection

Diagnostic Evaluation

1. Physical examination of the spine and medical history review is crucial in determining the severity and cause of scoliosis.
2. Further neurological testing may be performed to detect muscle weakness or any numbness.
3. X-ray of the spine.
4. CT scan and MRI scan to identify underlying causes.

Scoliosis Surgery Procedure

Surgery is recommended for teenagers whose scoliosis curve measures over 40 degrees. The goal of surgery is to restrict movement between two vertebrae by fusing them together. Scoliosis surgery requires medical implants such as screws, hooks, rods, or wires, supported by bone grafts over the surface of the affected spine. The surgeon usually obtains bone grafts from the patient’s pelvic bone. The grafts fuse and strengthen, correcting the curvature of the spine.

Surgical Procedure

1. There are several methods for performing spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, but most involve using screws and hooks to correct the curvature.
2. After that, the surgeon must readjust the affected spine segments with rods to reduce lateral twist.
3. Next, the surgeon should introduce bone grafts into the segments that require fusion. These may belong to the patient (autograft) or may be taken from a donor (allograft).
4. The rods keep the spine aligned until the bones fuse, taking the load of the spine.

Post-Operative Care

1. Generally, patients stay in the hospital for five to eight days, but full recovery may take several months.
2. Doctors might provide epidural catheters to control pain, which remain in place until the third day after surgery when patients can start to move.
3. A physiotherapist will supervise patients to help regain basic motion and mobility skills.
4. X-rays before discharge to check for spinal cord progression and condition.

Home Care After Surgery

1. Recovery from scoliosis surgery requires several months.
2. Patients should only engage in simple activities for the first six months.
3. Swimming may begin within a few months.
4. Patients may undertake exercise, running, jumping, and sports roughly one year after surgery.
5. Monitoring patients regularly to track their progress is essential.

Factors Affecting Scoliosis Surgery Costs

Scoliosis Surgery Cost in Chennai: Although the cost of surgery depends on the hospital selected, Chennai provides superb, low-cost medical services. Chennai’s success rate in scoliosis surgery, as well as the quality of follow-up care, affirms the priority given to health concerns. Major research institutes and hospitals alike conduct research on scoliosis surgery, and Chennai is one of India’s best cities for medical care.

Scoliosis Surgery Cost in Kerala: International medical tourists frequently choose Kerala for the best medical services in India. Kerala boasts highly skilled and renowned physicians, as well as trained staff, technicians, and international accessibility. Kerala has been successful in reducing the cost of medical procedures such as scoliosis surgery while maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and treatment quality. This reduction in medical costs puts Kerala at par with the best hospitals in other premier cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

Scoliosis Surgery Cost in Delhi: Government and private hospitals in Delhi are both renowned worldwide, and their esteemed doctors, surgeons, and staff set the benchmark for medical facilities in India. Delhi endeavors to adopt contemporary technology in its medical services, and their efforts have been fruitful so far.