I was on vacation last week celebrating 25th wedding anniversary. Great break.
This week we’re doing “Scoli Camp” at Duke Raleigh Hospital, with 4 adolescent scoliosis and kyphosis surgeries already during our first 2 days!
Patients are doing well postop, getting up and around.
One of my 15 yo patients who had very severe kyphoscoliosis gave me a big smile right after surgery since she could feel that her back was sitting comfortably on bed for first time in years!! She had an 80 degree kyphosis, probably Scheuermann’s kyphosis, combined with 42 degree scoliosis!
Yesterday also fixed up a 17 yo young man with severe 68 degree progressive right thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. His curve was SO MUCH STIFFER than the 15 yo girl I fixed yesterday afternoon, who had a smaller curve. It really does help to fix the curves when they are smaller, and a bit younger to take advantage of the increased flexibility, less rib deformity, and easier/safer and more complete correction. Sometimes people put off scoliosis and kyphsosis surgery due to concerns about playing sports. With modern instrumentation and fusion techniques, we can get people back to sports fairly quickly, including golf, lacrosse, cheer leading, soccer, baseball, softball, and even highly competitive diving and swimming.
Had a real joy of having my daughter looking in on surgery for past couple of days — she’s been very enthusiastic student.
Have a great week!
Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
http://www.heyclinic.com