Minimally Invasive Surgery for Scoliosis, is it the new laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Abstract

As the most common spinal deformity facing orthopaedic surgeons, and a prevalence of 0.5-4.5%, idiopathic scoliosis is no rare encounter.  Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal curvature more than 10 degrees in the vertebral column. The curve may constitute a simple lateral deviation or a more complex 3D shape. Although the condition is not typically painful for adolescents, it is associated with long term compromise on both cardiac and pulmonary functions, and future back pain.  Typically, surgery is considered in those with a curvature greater than 45-50 degrees with the aim to arrest the progression of the disease, and secondarily straightening the spine. The conventional spinal fusion surgery “is a fairly extensive approach” says Dr. Miyanji, the Pediatrics Spine Surgeon at BC Children’s Hospital.