This young lady has suffered with progressive back pain and deformity, with 61 degree preop kyphosis combined with 36 degree progressive scoliosis. Her posture has gotten gradually worse, combined with the pain giving her a very poor and worsening quality of life.
Her surgery went well today. The “hump” she had on her back is now gone, and her kyphosis is down in the normal range. Surgery was approximately 4 hours, with 4oo cc blood loss. Just rounded on her and her husband here at Duke Raleigh Hospital. They are both very thankful. He will stay in her room, until they go home likely after 3 nights, on Thursday.
This morning, had a good talk with dad of one of my adolescent kyphosis patients, who had questions from a second opinion about bracing for improving her 77 degree painful kyphosis and scoliosis. Bracing for kyphosis can be very difficult and uncomfortable. Bracing for scoliosis is really meant for children and adolescents who have growth remaining.
Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
http://www.heyclinic.com