Taking a More Innovative Approach to Scoliosis by Using Laminectomy

Annu Everts^*
*Correspondence: Annu Everts, Department of Orthopedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India, Email:

Introduction

Scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, affects millions of people worldwide, ranging from children to adults. The condition, which can cause pain, impaired mobility, and in severe cases, neurological compromise, often requires intervention when it leads to significant symptoms or progression. Traditionally, scoliosis treatment has focused on bracing, physical therapy, and in severe cases, spinal fusion surgery. However, recent advances in surgical techniques, including the use of laminectomy, are opening up new possibilities for the treatment of scoliosis, offering innovative solutions for both pain relief and improved spinal alignment. While laminectomy has long been used for conditions such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs, its application in scoliosis management represents a more innovative and less conventional approach. This article explores the role of laminectomy in scoliosis treatment, how it works, the potential benefits, and the future of combining spinal decompression with scoliosis correction [1,2].

Description

The traditional approach to scoliosis treatment depends largely on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, non-surgical methods such as bracing, physical therapy, and monitoring are common. Braces are typically worn by adolescents whose spinal curvature is still progressing, while physical therapy aims to strengthen and stretch muscles to improve posture and function. For moderate to severe scoliosis, particularly when the curvature exceeds 45-50 degrees or when it causes significant symptoms such as pain or neurological impairment, surgical intervention may be necessary. The standard surgical approach for scoliosis has traditionally been spinal fusion, a procedure where two or more vertebrae are fused together using metal rods, screws, and bone grafts to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine. While spinal fusion has been highly effective in many cases, it has its limitations, including the loss of spinal flexibility, potential complications at adjacent vertebrae (known as adjacent segment degeneration), and the risks associated with major surgery. Laminectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra), is a well-established procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is commonly performed to treat conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. While laminectomy is not typically associated with scoliosis treatment, emerging research and clinical practices suggest that it can play an important role in managing severe cases of scoliosis, particularly in addressing associated spinal cord compression or neurological symptoms [3-5].

Conclusion

Laminectomy offers an innovative and promising approach to the treatment of scoliosis, particularly in cases where spinal cord compression or nerve involvement is present. While it is not a standalone solution for scoliosis correction, it can complement other treatments, such as spinal instrumentation or fusion, to improve patient outcomes. By reducing nerve compression, preserving spinal flexibility, and offering a less invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion, laminectomy holds great potential in the evolving field of scoliosis management. As surgical techniques and research continue to advance, laminectomy may become an even more integral part of the spine surgeon’s toolkit in the treatment of scoliosis. As spinal research continues to evolve, laminectomy's role in scoliosis treatment is expected to expand. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic-assisted surgery may make laminectomy an even more viable option for scoliosis patients, allowing for more precise decompression and spinal correction with less risk. Additionally, research into biomaterials and stem cell therapies could help improve healing after laminectomy, further enhancing its potential for use in scoliosis management.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

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