Alternatives to Scoliosis Surgery

IMPLANT FAILURE

5-10% 38,000

THE TRUTH ABOUT

Scoliosis Fusion Surgery

When scoliosis curves are severe, many doctors recommend surgery. But emerging research has led many patients to wonder if spinal fusion surgery is really the best choice.

of the U.S. population has scoliosis

that’s

7 MILLION people!

2-3%

of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown.

80%

WHO’S AFFECTED MOST?Scoliosis most often occurs

between ages

10-15

It affects 7 girls for every 1 boy.

WHAT DOCTORS TYPICALLY RECOMMEND

of diagnosed scoliosis cases will progress to the surgical threshold.

patients undergo spinal fusion surgery every year.

WHAT DOES SPINAL FUSION ENTAIL?

The surgeon dissects 5 layers of spinal muscles, surrounding ligaments and tendons, and the spine’s entire posterior joint system

3-inch screws and hooks are inserted on both sides of the spine at every level

Solid metal rods are run through the hooks on both sides of the spine along the entire length of the curve

Complications of Spinal Fusion Surgery

5-10% JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.

MAY JUNE JULY AUG.

SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

38,000

0-10˚No scoliosis detected

10˚- 25˚Regular observation

25˚- 40˚Bracing

50˚+Spinal fusion surgery

10˚ 25˚ 40˚ 50˚+

STEPone

STEPtwo

STEPthree

BROKEN ROD

HARDWARE CORROSION

MORE THAN 50% of treated patients experience implant failure.

MORE THAN 50% of spinal fusion patients experience long-term complications during their life span.

In one study, 40% OF PATIENTS were considered severely disabled less than 20 years following fusion surgery.

RISKS INCLUDE:

PARAPLEGIA

QUADRIPLEGIAPERIPHERAL NERVE DEFICIT

Spinal fusion implants can:

BREAK PIERCE THE SPINAL CANAL

COMPRESS NERVE ROOTS

of patients develop deep infections a year or more

after surgery.

Some patients develop infections as many as 8 YEARS LATER.

Surgical patients lose

of patients experience low back pain within 5-7 years.

Blindness

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Kidney failure

Recurrent meningitis

Chronic intermittent vomiting

Emotional breakdown

Severe blood loss

Urinary infections

Pancreatitis

Obstructive bowel dysfunction

INFECTION LOSS OF MOTION LOW BACK PAIN

In one study, 21% OF ADOLESCENT PATIENTSrequired implant removal.

20%

of their ability to side flex.

60%TO

20-33%

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4

YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 YEAR 8

DOES SPINAL FUSION WORK?An analysis of scoliosis surgery patients found that:

Felt no reduction in their pain levels

41%

33%

26%

Were unhappy with the outcome

Lost all correction within 1-10 years

Required more surgery within 2-8 years

19%

OTHER SPINAL SURGERY RISKS

Physical Therapy

A combination of aerobic fitness, weight training and core strengthening can help treat the symptoms of scoliosis, but does not reduce curvature.

ScoliSMART Rehab Programs

Programs include Scoliosis BootCamp, Scoliosis Activity Suit, Small Curve Camp, ScoliSMART Nutritional Program, and ScoliSMART Pain Management.

Scoliosis Exercises

Scoliosis indicates a breakdown in the brain’s ability to regulate posture. Certain exercises can retrain the brain to maintain a more normal posture.

European studies have linked scoliosis to hormone imbalances. Amino acid supplements can help boost treatment effectiveness.

Nutritional Support

of patients who perform exercises wearing a ScoliSMART Scoliosis Activity Suit reduce or stabilize their spinal curves within a year.90%

SOURCES: National Scoliosis Foundation, University of Maryland Medical Center, Scoliosis Research Society, New York Times, U.S National Library of Medicine, Hans Weiss

treatingscoliosis.com

©2015 ScoliSMART™ Clinics

5-10%

Infographic designed by Mad Fish Digital

Scoliosis Fusion Surgery