Hey Clinic Scoliosis Surgery Mon Dec 15 2008: 20 yo with severe thoracolumbar curve

This morning we helped John, a 20 yo tall college student who had a severe kyphoscoliosis with a 55 degree thoracolumbar curve, and severe hypokyphosis with actually thoracolumbar lordosis.  This hypokyphosis causes his chest to look “sunken in”, which also causes decreased lung volumes.

His surgery today went quite well, but was more difficult due to a relatively stiff curve, and thick paraspinal muscles combined with severe hypokyphosis, which made his spine “deeper” than usual, especially in the thoracic region.

I was able to successfully correct the curve with several osteotomies combined with segmental spinal correction using the rods and screws and special instruments called “Persuaders”.

He is doing well now up on the orthopaedic floor with his parents and girlfriend who is a very driven “premed”!

Dr. Lloyd A Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh NC USA
http://www.heyclinic.com
Member, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS.org)