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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Treatment Is Suggested For A Curved Spine ?

My spine is curved due to scoliosis. I had surgery for this condition. Since then my upper spine is curved so that I walk with a forward bend. I just cannot stand up straight. I am 71 and in good health. I have come through all my surgeries very well. From what I was told, there is a procedure that breaks the spine, straightens the spine and then inserts a rod. I am not looking for surgery, but if I would be able to stand up straight, I would do it. Thank you for your help in this matter.
posted on Sun, 9 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 6 Jul 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 7 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on
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Emergency Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi..
Considering your age and condition( scoliosis) i would suggest you not to try any surgical interventions now. reasons being
1) if your lung functions are normal then spine correction is only for cosmetic purpose.
2) spine correction can compromise on lung expansion and can lead to pulmonary congestion.
3) post operative lung infection, pneumonia are high chances.
4) post multiple surgeries the anatomy of that region will be fibrotic and distorted and re exploring/ exposure becomes very difficult.
5) post operative neurological defects can occur.
6)Age relate anesthetic complication can occur.
7) post operative infection/ implant failure.
most of these complications are doubled in older age group.
If u have normal lung functions and a normal living i would suggest u to leav it alone.
Thank you.
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What Treatment Is Suggested For A Curved Spine ?

Hi.. Considering your age and condition( scoliosis) i would suggest you not to try any surgical interventions now. reasons being 1) if your lung functions are normal then spine correction is only for cosmetic purpose. 2) spine correction can compromise on lung expansion and can lead to pulmonary congestion. 3) post operative lung infection, pneumonia are high chances. 4) post multiple surgeries the anatomy of that region will be fibrotic and distorted and re exploring/ exposure becomes very difficult. 5) post operative neurological defects can occur. 6)Age relate anesthetic complication can occur. 7) post operative infection/ implant failure. most of these complications are doubled in older age group. If u have normal lung functions and a normal living i would suggest u to leav it alone. Thank you.