The best scoliosis treatment: Guide-2024 for spine correction

Scoliosis is a pathological deformity (curvature) of the spine in the lateral projection. This is one of the most common orthopedic diseases, to which both children and adults are subject. The pathology is characterized by a change in the spine to a C- or S-shape. The degree of curvature is measured on the Cobb scale, and depending on its indicators, scoliosis can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

What is mild scoliosis? A minor degree of scoliosis is characterized by a curvature angle of less than 20 degrees. Orthopedists consider it safe, so the options for the best therapy for scoliosis do not involve surgical intervention. In this case, observation is essential, as it is necessary to prevent further curvature progression.

With a mild form of scoliosis, people may experience discomfort in the back, especially after prolonged sitting or standing. The aesthetic change is expressed in a slight disturbance of posture.

What is moderate scoliosis? When the angle of curvature is between 20 and 40 degrees, scoliosis is considered moderate and may require more active intervention. For example, one of the best ways to fix scoliosis would be to wear a corset. This measure aims to prevent further deterioration, especially during active growth in children. Unfortunately, after the age of 14-15, when the growth of the spine stops, the corset is no longer effective. X-rays of the radius can be used to determine whether the spine is still growing.

One of the most common symptoms of moderate scoliosis is back pain. This is due to the pressure of the curved spine on the muscles and ligaments and the asymmetrical loading of the vertebrae. A curved spine can limit a person's ability to perform certain movements or sports.

An additional nuisance is the asymmetry of the body and the uneven fit of clothing. Visually, one shoulder may appear higher than the other, and one side of the pelvis will be lower.

What is severe scoliosis? The third degree of scoliosis, with an angle of curvature of more than 40 degrees, requires surgical intervention. Surgery is aimed at correcting the curvature and stabilizing the spine. This is the best treatment option for adult scoliosis, as the condition may indicate a lack of results from therapy at a young age, up to 14 years old, while the spine is still growing.

In addition to the curvature of the spine, deformed posture, and impaired walking, severe scoliosis is dangerous in other ways. Expressed back pain and respiratory disorders due to compression of the lungs, over the years, only get worse. Expressed scoliosis dramatically affects the quality of life: complexes and constant physical discomfort often lead to psychological disorders.

What happens if scoliosis is not treated?

Untreated scoliosis can lead to chronic pain, noticeable deformation of the figure, as well as to problems with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

What problems does grade 4 scoliosis lead to?

Scoliosis, characterized by a spinal curvature angle of more than 50 degrees, is a severe medical condition. It can lead to several significant and even life-threatening complications:

• constant strain and pressure on muscles, ligaments, and nerves will be accompanied by severe back and neck pain;
• chest deformity and pelvic misalignment will affect appearance;
• the rib cage may become so deformed that it seriously impairs lung function;
• increases the risk of cardiovascular disease;
• in extreme cases, nerve compression can lead to neurological problems, including numbness and even paralysis of the limbs;
• severe scoliosis in women will affect the ability to have children.

The importance of timely diagnosis and adequate treatment cannot be overemphasized. Modern medical approaches and technologies offer the best therapy to correct scoliosis.

Where to start and which method to choose? Experts Medical team has explored the options for the best scoliosis treatment, which we will review in this article.

Scoliosis Diagnosis

Doctors perform detailed examinations on patients before considering the best scoliosis treatment methods. This provides an opportunity to clarify the degree of curvature of the spine, the impact of scoliosis on the body, and all potential risks.

The best scoliosis treatment centers use modern research methods for diagnosis, ensuring high accuracy of the results.

Combined with a thorough clinical examination and analysis of the patient's medical history, these research methods allow specialists to diagnose the condition accurately. This is how they successfully develop the best scoliosis treatment for each case.

The best treatment to correct scoliosis surgically

In world medical practice, orthopedic surgeons use special technologies that allow you to return the spine to its natural curvature.

For patients over 14, doctors may offer surgery with the APIFix System. This minimally invasive system is designed to correct spinal curvature without arthrodesis (a special bone graft is used for fixation, after which the cartilage gradually ossifies). This is a relatively new type of system that is more commonly used in Israeli hospitals.

These systems are designed to allow flexibility and growth of the spine in children while correcting the curvature and preventing further progression. The choice of a particular system depends on the patient's needs and the degree of scoliosis.

Is it safe for children to use scoliosis treatment systems?

Medtronic has announced that the SHILLA Growth Management System has undergone a successful FDA review and has been approved. The system is designed for children under the age of 10 who have been diagnosed with severe, progressive, early spinal deformities. The device features a non-locking set screw at both ends, allowing the rod to slide as the bone grows while maintaining the necessary corrective pressure.

How many days do I have to stay in the hospital, and what is the rehabilitation period?

Usually, patients spend 5 days in the clinic and a minimum of 5 days in the country to monitor their condition in the postoperative period. Once the person leaves the hospital, he/she can stay with a companion in a hotel nearby.

The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are considered critical when patients are advised to limit back strain. During this time, adaptation to the new position of the spine begins.

In adults, full recovery from surgery can take about 6 months and sometimes up to a year. During this time, patients gradually return to normal activities, special exercises are performed, and regular medical check-ups with an orthopedist are carried out.

Do systems need to be removed to align the spine in the future?

When scoliosis is treated using metal rods and anchoring systems, the question of their removal depends on several factors. This includes the type of implant, the cause of the spinal curvature, the patient's age, and overall treatment goals.

What are temporary implants for scoliosis treatment? Some systems, such as expandable rods, are designed for temporary use. They may require regular adjustments and will eventually be replaced or removed once the patient's growth is complete.

When is a system not removed? If a patient had a system placed before age 13, it would be removed. Systems that are placed after the age of 14 are not removed. These surgeries include arthrodesis (stabilization by spinal fusion), where the goal is to create permanent fixation of some regions of the spine. This is the best option for treating scoliosis in adult patients.

The length of time the systems are used depends on individual circumstances. In the case of children, implants may be placed until the spine has finished growing, which can take several years. Adult patients may wear the system for a lifetime.

Best therapy for scoliosis: options without surgery

Choosing the best therapy for scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature of the spine, the patient's age, the disease progression rate, and the presence of associated symptoms.

Non-surgical treatments for scoliosis may include:

• Physical therapy and exercise. Individualized exercise can help strengthen back muscles, improve posture, and prevent further progression of scoliosis. There are specialized techniques, such as Schroth exercises, to reduce curvature and asymmetry.
• Wearing a corset. It helps prevent the progression of curvature, which is especially important during the growth period in children and adolescents.

Prof. Bezer, who is in Istanbul, is an expert in selecting and fabricating corsets for patients. He uses his patented developments and German corsets, depending on the patient's situation.

What should a corset for scoliosis correction be like?

An orthopedic corset is usually made individually for patients, but they consist of several key elements:

• A plastic base. This material provides the necessary rigidity to support and correct the spine while remaining quite flexible.
• Metal or plastic ties. To ensure a snug fit and proper straightening of the spine, the corset is equipped with adjustable ties.
• Lining. The inside of the corset should be padded for softness when worn.
• Ventilation holes. Some models have holes for breathability.
• Adjustable straps. Necessary for fastening according to the figure.

Quality orthopedic corsets are the best therapy for medium degree scoliosis. They are designed to be not only effective, but also comfortable for people to facilitate long-term wear in daily life. Some of them may include a flexible brace in the design. Such products are designed for use at night. A side-bending corset follows the position of the patient’s spine and does not interfere during sleep.

Alternative therapies for scoliosis

The most effective and safe methods of non-surgical therapy for mild scoliosis can be obtained in Ayurvedic clinics. These are specialized institutions that combine unconventional Indian medicine with lifestyle correction. Orthopedics is one of the areas included in Ayurvedic treatment programs in Kerala.

Can medication help with scoliosis?

The use of medications is not the primary method of best therapy for scoliosis since pills can not correct the curvature of the spine. But in some cases, medications are still prescribed:

• analgesics for scoliosis – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• myorelaxants – to prevent muscle spasms;
• bone-improving drugs – for patients with osteoporosis;
• vitamins and supplements – to support bone health (calcium and vitamin D).

You should take any oral pain medication for scoliosis only when prescribed by your doctor.

Topical pain relievers such as creams, gels, or patches can relieve back discomfort. They have a short-term effect.

Best pain relief medicine for scoliosis treatment

Scoliosis pain relief injections can be an effective method for reducing back discomfort and relieving inflammation. This is relevant when oral painkillers are ineffective or have unwanted side effects.

Types of medicine injections for best pain relief for scoliosis:

• Corticosteroids. These are hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Blockades. It temporarily blocks pain signals from nerves coming from the spine.

Medicine in injections may be the best treatment for scoliosis pain relief. They are usually administered in an outpatient setting. Depending on the area of pain, the injection can be administered at various points around the spine. The procedure is often performed under controlled imaging, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure accurate medication delivery.

The effects of the injection can vary from patient to patient but usually last from a few weeks to a few months. Corticosteroid medications are generally not recommended more than a few times a year because of potential side effects with long-term use.

Limitations and risks.

Side effects may include a temporary increase in pain after injections, local allergic reactions, and nerve damage. Long-term use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in the elderly.

It is essential that patients work closely with medical professionals to evaluate the condition and benefits of these procedures.

Important: Information regarding pain medications is published for informational purposes. We do not recommend patients use any scoliosis pain relievers alone (without a doctor's prescription).

Under what conditions is it possible to do without surgery?

Mild to moderate scoliosis is usually treated with exercises, physical therapy, and massage. It may require wearing a corset in addition to the other methods. However, it is important to realize that each case of scoliosis is unique, and the treatment plan should be individualized by an orthopedist, considering all aspects of the condition. Regular medical monitoring is necessary to monitor the curvature of the spine.

Remember, the best way to correct scoliosis is the suitable treatment method for your case. And if surgery is necessary, you should not ignore such medical advice.

How do you choose the best doctor for scoliosis treatment?

Choosing the best specialist for scoliosis treatment abroad is an essential step towards recovery. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best doctor for scoliosis:

• Qualifications and certification. Ensure the doctor has the appropriate credentials to prove his orthopedics and spinal surgery expertise. International accreditations and professional association membership adds to the specialist's credibility.
• Experience in treating scoliosis. Choose a surgeon who specializes in treating scoliosis and has extensive experience in performing related surgeries. Such a specialist can properly evaluate your case and offer the best treatment plan for scoliosis.
• Spine Surgery Techniques and Techniques. Scoliosis surgery requires the use of advanced technology. Choose the best scoliosis doctors who utilize innovative methods, including minimally invasive surgical techniques.
• The reputation of the clinic where your doctor works. The best scoliosis treatment centers have international accreditations, high ratings, and positive patient reviews.

The Experts Medical team has spent more than 8 years gathering a base of specialists abroad who have best proven themselves in different treatment areas. These are proven surgeons and orthopedists who see international patients in advanced clinics.

Among the best doctors for scoliosis treatment, we will highlight a few names. With these doctors, surgical spine correction is done effectively and at a moderate cost.

Murat Bezer

Turkish orthopedic surgeon Murat Bezer has been treating the musculoskeletal system of people with various pathologies for more than 25 years. One of his specialities is the surgical treatment of scoliosis. He receives patients at the Academic Hospital in Istanbul.

Prof. Bezer is known for his innovative methods for treating spinal curvature. Dr. Bezer has made significant contributions to research in orthopedics and spinal surgery. The treatment of scoliosis is his primary speciality. He also has his patented corset, which is made on a 3D printer individually to fit the patient. You can learn more about his techniques in this interview (exclusive to Experts Medical).

Cagatay Ozturk

Prof. Cagatay Ozturk is one of Turkey's leading orthopedists and spinal surgery specialists. He is the Head of the Spine Center at Liv Multidisciplinary Medical Center in Istanbul.

Dr. Ozturk specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgeries, including endoscopic and laser discectomy. He treats children and adults with spinal problems, including scoliosis and kyphosis.

Prof. Ozturk is known for his holistic approach to spine surgery, emphasizing patient comfort and mobility potential.

Alejandro Peiro

Dr. Alejandro Peiro Garcia is a prominent orthopedist and traumatologist specializing in spine surgery. Currently working at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona, he collaborates with the Teknon Clinic. He is recognized as an expert in treating spinal deformities and early-onset scoliosis in children.

The use of VEPTR systems in treating scoliosis has formed the basis of his scientific publications. VEPTR is most often used in children with severe scoliosis, especially when congenital anomalies of the spine and thorax are present. As the child grows, the rods can be lengthened through additional surgery, allowing for adaptation to changes in the child's body size. Alejandro Peiro has successfully implemented this approach into his medical practice and has become one of the best doctors for treating scoliosis of varying degrees of severity.

What does Prof. Bezer say about the treatment of scoliosis?

What scoliosis treatment can be offered to pediatric patients?

The most common type of scoliosis is ideopathic scoliosis. However, there are other varieties, such as neuromuscular scoliosis. Therefore, making an accurate diagnosis before any treatment is started is crucial. Quite often, children receive corset treatment for scoliosis during puberty. Such a method can bring success as the child's body continues to develop. At the age of 8-10 years, a corset can prevent the progression of the disease. Such treatment is suitable for curvatures of about 20 degrees (a mild form of scoliosis).

Spine surgery is necessary for severe curvatures (from 40 degrees and more). If surgery is not performed in time, the angle of curvature will increase with age. This will lead not only to poor posture but also to restrictive severe lung diseases.

What happens after surgery for scoliosis?

We occasionally use systems that adjust as the spine grows. This allows us to correct scoliosis without interfering with the normal development of the back. Generally, patients 14 years and older need permanent systems for severe curvature of the spine. If we talk about the rehabilitation period, modern surgeries assume a quick recovery. The patient can be discharged from the hospital in two days. About 2 weeks later, the child can go to school.

If you know for sure that you or your child needs surgery, then it is necessary to choose the right clinic for this operation. Modern techniques to correct curvature of the spine are available at the world's leading hospitals. Among the most popular are medical centers in Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Let's consider some of them.

Academic Hospital in Turkey

Academic Hospital offers consultations and treatment for patients with various orthopedic diseases. The medical center is equipped with the latest technology, which allows it to provide quality services in diagnosing and treating scoliosis. The clinic is staffed by experienced orthopedists and surgeons specializing in spine correction.

The clinic offers services for international patients for surgical and the best therapy for scoliosis. An individualized approach is practiced here, considering people of different ages' unique needs. Utilizing modern techniques and a comprehensive approach, scoliosis treatment is highly successful.

Liv Hospital Network in Turkey

Liv Ulus and Istinye clinics are part of the renowned LIV Hospital network, offering advanced medical services in various fields, including orthopedics.

Special attention is paid to modern minimally invasive treatment methods, improving the safety and effectiveness of scoliosis surgery.

These clinics offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs after surgery, including physical therapy and individually selected exercises. This helps to accelerate recovery and improve patients' quality of life.

Teknon Hospital Barcelona in Spain

Teknon Medical Center is one of the leading medical centers in Europe. Advanced methods of best therapy for scoliosis and other spinal diseases are available here for foreign patients. The clinic's orthopedics department is famous for its innovative practice and qualified specialists.

Teknon uses various surgical techniques to treat scoliosis, including minimally invasive surgeries. Among the methods used is vertebral body tethering (VBT).In VBT, the surgeon implants flexible cables (tethers) along the side of the spine that attach to the front of the vertebrae. This technique is an innovative approach to treating scoliosis while maintaining mobility and flexibility of the spine. This method is particularly effective for treating adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, allowing the growth and formation of the spine to be controlled more naturally.

Teknon is globally recognized for its quality of care, individualized approach to patients, and use of advanced technology. The clinic also actively pursues research and development in orthopedics and spinal surgery. This approach enables the integration of effective surgical and therapeutic techniques for treating scoliosis.

Sant Joan de Deu in Spain

Sant Joan de Deu Children's Hospital is a leader in treating spinal disorders in children, especially in scoliosis surgery. The hospital is considered one of Europe's leading centers for the best therapy for scoliosis in children.

The hospital stands out due to its innovative approach to treating scoliosis using advanced surgical techniques. This allows us to achieve excellent results in correcting spinal curvature while minimizing risks and speeding up the recovery process of young patients.

The clinic actively attracts the best specialists in pediatric orthopedics and neurosurgery, ensuring a high level of medical care.

Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi (Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute) in Italy

The Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan is a specialized medical center that performs the best surgical treatment of adult scoliosis. The institute uses several advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS), which reduces the traumatization of tissues and speeds up recovery after surgery.

The Galeazzi Institute uses 3D printing to create patient spine models, which helps plan and perform complex surgeries. Doctors at the clinic also use computer navigation and robotic systems to improve the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.

This institute is also known for its research in regenerative medicine to provide the best therapy for scoliosis. The institute's team includes leading specialists in orthopedics, which guarantees a high level of medical care and an individualized approach.

Asklepios in Germany

Asklepios Medical Center has established itself as one of the best centers for scoliosis therapy, especially among foreign patients. This status is confirmed by the independent organization Medical Travel Quality Alliance. The orthopedics department at Asklepios is equipped with specialized equipment. Doctors perform three-dimensional spine modeling for accurate diagnosis and surgery planning. The clinic uses unique methods, including kinesiotherapy and individual rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient.

The clinic utilizes the latest minimally invasive techniques. For example, the scoliosis correction method using specialized implants provides a more effective and safe correction of spinal curvature.

The clinic provides a comprehensive approach to scoliosis treatment, from advanced diagnostics to postoperative support. This allows us to achieve impressive results in the treatment of spinal curvature.

How can you choose the best scoliosis treatment in the world?

Only a qualified orthopedist can choose the best treatment for scoliosis in the world for a patient. Leading clinics in Israel, Turkey, and Western Europe apply advanced techniques that are effective for the curvature of the spine. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to live a full life during long-term treatment.

Leave an application on this page to get the best scoliosis treatment for adults or children. The coordinating doctor can pre-analyze your situation to help you choose the most suitable orthopedist in a specialized clinic. With the support of Experts Medical, you can go to one of the best scoliosis treatment centers.

We guarantee all arrangements will be honored, as our patients are prioritized. Also, the surgery cost will be fixed for you and will not change once you arrive at the clinic.

Your trip will be planned and organized to the smallest detail, including booking plane tickets and hotel rooms. You will be provided with airport transfers and an interpreter (if necessary).

You can resolve any issues during your scoliosis treatment abroad with your Experts Medical coordinating physician. Our doctor will be in touch with you at all stages of preparation and treatment in a foreign clinic.

Sources:

• https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/
• https://www.srs.org/Patients/Diagnosis-And-Treatment/Diagnosing-Scoliosis
• https://www.healthline.com/health/scoliosis-pain
• https://pediatricspinefoundation.org/Pasticeos/UserFiles/iceos/2007/sat/45%20-%20McCarthy%20-%20Shilla%20Technique.pdf