Spinal Deformities: Surgical Solutions for a Healthier Posture

The spine consists of the vertebrae and spinal discs in between them. The spine appears straight from the front but from the sides, it looks curved. Normally four curvatures in the spine are present in the neck, upper back, lower back, and at the end of the spine. When these normal curvatures deform or become exaggerated in any of the regions, the whole spine disturbs and produces a spinal deformity condition. There are three types of abnormal curvatures of the spine. Each of the spinal deformities produces the symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness due to the irritation of nerves in the region of spinal deformity. Some children are born with the problem of spinal deformity and others develop the problem of spinal deformity due to aging and poor posture. Spinal deformities in which abnormal structure of the spine is present are usually difficult to treat and may only require surgery to treat them. But spinal deformities in which the structure of the spine is normal but curves exaggerated due to poor posture or muscular problems, are usually easy to treat and may not require surgical interventions. When the spinal deformity occurs, it weakens the body, muscles, and the organs involved in that region. For example, when the upper back spine deformity occurs, it creates pressure on the muscles present in that area and lungs, due to which a simple task like walking becomes difficult for the patient. Management should be done according to the region involved otherwise it can lower the quality of life of the patient.

Types of Spinal Deformity Surgeries

Includes scoliosis correction, kyphoplasty, vertebral realignment, and fusion procedures.

Types of Spinal Deformities Correction Treatment India

The types of spinal deformities are:

Kyphosis
Scoliosis
Lordosis
Flatback syndrome

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity in which sideways curvature of the spine occurs. The spine may form an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from the back. This condition can affect people of all ages but is mostly present in children. The scoliosis deformity may be due to structural problems of the spine or due to poor musculature.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a condition in which an abnormal forward curvature of the upper spine is formed and gives the appearance of rounding or hunching of the back. There are many reasons for kyphosis such as poor posture, developmental issues in the vertebrae, and degenerative changes in the spine with increasing age. Kyphosis can create pressure on the important organs in the region such as the heart and lungs which can further worsen the condition of the patient.

Lordosis

Lordosis is an excessive inward curvature of the lower back or the neck region. It creates an exaggerated arching of the back. It causes the buttocks or the neck to appear more prominent. Lordosis can be caused by poor posture, obesity, certain muscular conditions, or underlying spinal issues. Lordosis can also occur in pregnancy.

Flatback Syndrome

Flatback syndrome is a condition in which the normal curvature of the spine is lost. It gives the spine a flat-line appearance of the back. This can lead to problems of difficulty standing upright. It can cause severe pain and discomfort.

Correction of spinal deformities

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of spinal deformities. Therapeutic exercises, stretches, and postural training are used to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall spinal alignment.
Bracing: Bracing is commonly used for conditions like scoliosis and kyphosis of developmental origin. It helps to prevent further progression of the abnormal curvature, particularly in children in which the skeletons are still growing.
Pain Management: Pain management techniques may be used to alleviate discomfort associated with spinal deformities. This can include medications, heat or cold therapy, and other non-invasive pain relief methods.
Weight Management: For individuals with spinal deformities, maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial as excess weight can put additional stress on the spine.
Activity Modification: Depending on the specific spinal deformity, individuals may need to modify their daily activities and avoid actions that worsen the condition or put more stress on the spine.
Orthotics: In some cases, orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or custom-made orthoses, may be used to support proper spinal alignment.
Surgical Intervention: When other treatment options do not provide sufficient correction or when the deformity is severe and causing many functional limitations or symptoms of pain, surgery may be considered. Surgical procedures can vary according to the type of deformity but generally help to realign and stabilize the spine.

Cost & Diagnosis of Spinal Deformities Correction Treatment India

The diagnosis of spinal deformities involves:

Physical Examination

The healthcare provider assesses the spine's alignment, posture, and range of motion.

Imaging Tests

X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans provide detailed and clear images of the spine. It helps to identify deformities and their severity.

Measurement of Curvature

Cobb angle measurement is used to determine the severity of spinal deformity. It also determines the extent of spinal curvature.

Cost of Spinal Deformity Correction in India

The cost of spinal deformity correction treatment in India ranges from ₹ 3,70,000 to ₹ 7,20,000. The cost can vary according to the deformity of each patient and the complexity and extent of the deformity. The cost can also vary according to the surgeon’s skill and the hospital’s facilities.

Scoliosis Spine Surgery ₹ 4,80,000 ₹ 6,40,000
Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis ₹ 4,10,000 ₹ 5,40,000
Children Scoliosis Treatment ₹ 3,90,000 ₹ 5,30,000
Kyphosis (Hunchback) Treatment ₹ 3,90,000 ₹ 5,30,000

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Spinal Deformity Correction Treatment

Some of the symptoms that are associated with spinal deformities are:

Uneven shoulder height
Asymmetrical waistline or hips
One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
Leaning to one side when standing
Rib hump or prominence on one side of the back
Excessive rounding or hunching of the upper back
Forward head posture
Stiffness or limited mobility in the thoracic spine
Exaggerated arching of the lower back
Pelvis tilting forward, causing a prominent buttock appearance
Loss of normal curvature in the lower back, leading to a flattened appearance
Difficulty standing upright for extended periods
Back pain or discomfort, especially during activity or prolonged standing
Pelvic tilting backward

Risk factors of Spinal deformities

Some of the risk factors are:

Genetics

Spinal deformity risk factors include a positive family history of spinal deformities. Various genes are associated with spinal deformities.

Gender

Scoliosis due to unknown causes is more commonly present in females. So females are more prone to develop spinal deformity.

Poor posture

Poor posture for a long period can be the major risk factor for spinal deformities.

Muscular disorders

Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles can also be the risk factor for spinal deformities. It leads to muscle imbalances and spinal deformities.

Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle factors, such as repetitive abnormal movements or sitting for long periods can increase the risk of developing spinal deformities over time.