A teenage girl, came to our office with thoraco-lumbar scoliosis, back pain, and expressing displeasure about how the scoliosis affected her appearance. She also noted that her condition was preventing her from playing school sports.
PATIENT EXAMINATION AND DIAGNOSIS
Dr. Rahman reviewed the patient’s medical history, and noted that the progression of the sideways curve in her spine over time. He conducted a physical exam, and ordered and reviewed various xrays and other imaging studies (Fig 1). Dr. Rahman diagnosed the patient with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), and recommend surgery.
Fig. 1: Xray showing the patient’s thoraco-lumbar scoliosis.
Dr. Rahman performed a long spinal fusion, using rods and screws, to significantly reduce the spine’s scoliotic curve.
The patient recovered well after the surgery. Today she is pain free, her spine is much straighter (Figs. 2-3), and she is delighted with her appearance. She has now returned to playing high school sports.
Fig.2: Xray showing significant reduction of the scoliotic curve after surgery.
Fig. 3: Xray from the side (lateral view) showing good restoration of the spine’s normal curves.