Combined Minimally Invasive Procedures Offer New Option For Lumbar Degenerative Scoliosis

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122541.htm

ScienceDaily (Oct. 6, 2008) — Surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Institute for Spinal Disorders have combined three innovative minimally invasive spine surgery procedures to treat spinal curvature in adults, a common consequence of aging.

An article in the October issue of the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques is believed to be the first to document the use of these procedures in combination to correct this condition, known as adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis.

"Many patients suffering from degenerative scoliosis are elderly and have coexisting medical problems that make them poor candidates for traditional surgery and a long recovery process. But as a result of three new technologies and minimally invasive approaches, we are able to offer patients who otherwise might not be candidates for surgery, a solution that is safe and provides very good results," said orthopaedic surgeon Neel Anand, M.D., Mch. Orth, director of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at Cedars-Sinai.

Anand said lumbar degeneration and curvature can be caused simply by the wear and tear of aging. Discs – the cushions and spacers between vertebrae – wear down and collapse, allowing the spine to shift out of alignment. In other cases, minor scoliosis that may have existed since childhood becomes more pronounced with age. In either situation, pain is the primary complaint.