Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis Promises a Bright Future
for Local Teen
Does Your Child Have Scoliosis?
Preliminary school screenings can help detect potential problems. These screenings typically include the Adam's Forward Bend Test. To perform this test, have your child stand with his or her feet together and bend forward 90 degrees. As you stand behind your child look for any abnormal spinal curvatures or formation.
Some "warning signs" of scoliosis include:
- One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other, or the hsoulder5 blades are different heights
- The bottom of the rib cages are uneven
- One hip is raised or more prominent, causing an uneven waist line
- The head, shoulders and hips are not vertically aligned
- The entire body leans to one side
- Differences in the look or texture of the skin over the spine (dimples, color changes)
September 2004 — At age 15, Robert played tennis for the Westminster Academy High School tennis team. Although only a freshman, Robert worked his way up to 2nd position and was skillfully winning matches. His backstroke, however, was causing him pain.
He later learned that his spine was out of alignment, caused by a condition called scoliosis. Left untreated, scoliosis would continue to affect his enjoyment of athletics — including tennis and snowboarding — and could lead to problems with his back, lungs and heart later in life.
After careful consideration and thorough research, Robert and his parents, decided he would undergo surgery at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital to correct his scoliosis.
Scoliosis Defined
"Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine," says Michael Jofe, MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, and physician on the medical staff at Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. "It may present itself in early adolescence and may remain moderate, or progress into a severe degree of curvature."
Eighty percent of diagnosed cases are considered "idiopathic" scoliosis, as the cause is unknown. In moderate cases, treatment may include observation to monitor the progression of the curve. An orthopedic brace may be prescribed and worn to prevent further curvature. For severe scoliosis, and for curves that do not respond to bracing, surgery is an option.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Posterior spinal fusion, the most frequently performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, is performed through the patient's back while the patient lies on his or her stomach. The surgeon places a metal rod on each side of the patient's spine and attaches it with screws, hooks and wires to the vertebrae. Then, the surgeon fuses the spine with a piece of bone from the patient's hip or an allograft, a bone supplied from a bone bank. The bone grows in between the vertebrae and keeps them straight. This process is called spinal fusion. The metal rods attached to the spine ensure that the backbone remains aligned while the spinal fusion takes place.
"Using advanced techniques and instrumentation, spinal fusion for scoliosis results in a stable, fused spine," says Dr. Jofe. "At Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, we use a comprehensive team approach combining the expertise of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists and pediatric radiologists. As one of the busiest scoliosis facilities in Florida, all surgeries are performed by two fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons in our facility."
The leading-edge procedure and instruments employed by the experts at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital result in fewer transfusions, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. These benefits played a major role in the decision made by Robert and his parents.
Robert's Story
"Robert experienced a big growth spurt at 14 that worsened a curvature in his spine. When it began affecting his athletics, he was eager to go ahead with surgery and get it over with," says his mother, Irene. "We kept telling him it was a big decision and would require taking a year off from tennis, but he was willing to make the sacrifice if it meant he could play sports again without pain."
According to Irene, "After much reflection and thorough research on Dr. Jofe and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, we felt at peace about proceeding with the surgery. We discussed the surgery and all of its implications with Dr. Jofe and the amazing staff at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Everyone we spoke with answered our questions and put us at ease. As a parent, it is frightening to consider such a major operation for your child, yet the entire staff was informative, caring and helpful. Then, Dr. Jofe told Robert that a former patient of his had undergone this surgery and went on to become a Navy SEAL. That sealed the deal for Robert."
On June 14, 2004, Robert underwent spinal fusion. Following almost 3 hours of surgery, Robert's parents visited their son in the recovery room. "The surgery went well, but he was in a lot of pain. Fortunately, we had prepared ourselves for what would be involved in his recovery, and we knew we had to tough it out. The ICU staff took incredible care of Robert — and my husband and me, for that matter — and we couldn't be more grateful. They were all phenomenal!"
Today, Robert is happily recovering. He grew 1 1/2" following his surgery, and although he cannot participate in sports for the next 3 to 6 months, he's found a new interest. "We just bought him a drum set. This hiatus from sports gave him the opportunity to learn something he may never have tried otherwise," says Robert's mom. "We're incredibly pleased with the results of his surgery and would highly recommend it to other parents. I can't say enough wonderful things about our experience at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital."
If you have concerns about scoliosis and your child, speak to your physician. For referral to a physician, call Joe DiMaggio Children' Hospital Physician Referral Service at
(866) JDCH-DOC.