Spinal Deformities

Scoliosis is a spine disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front. Kyphosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward. There is a normal kyphosis in the middle (thoracic) spine. Lordosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent backward. There is a normal lordosis in the upper (cervical) spine and the lower (lumbar) spine. People with scoliosis develop additional curves to either side, and the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a C or S shape in the spine.

Kyophosis can happen at any age but is more common in older women. With advancing age the bones in the spine become weak and start to compress or crack.

Scoliosis on the other hand is found in growing children. Mild scoliosis will not cause much harm but if the condition is more severe then the curvature of the spine can affect the proper functioning of the lungs.

Treatment Options

When you first come to visit our spine specialist, you would get a thorough physical examination. Most of the cases of kyphosis or scoliosis can be very well diagnosed on X-Rays, CT Scan and the best of all MRI Scan. X-Rays at periodic intervals are done to monitor the change in the curvature of the spine over a period of time.

Kyphosis is mostly treated with pain and osteoporosis medication, physical therapy and bracing. Surgery is needed in severe cases of kyphosis in which the surgeon would perform spinal fusion for reducing the spinal curvature. The surgeon inserts pieces of bone between the vertebrae and then fastens the vertebrae together with metal rods and screws until the spine heals together in a corrected position.

The progression of scoliosis can be slowed by wearing spinal brace. In severe cases of scoliosis, spinal fusion surgery is performed as explained above. In some cases where the scoliosis is increasing rapidly, the surgeons may place a rod which is attached to the top and the bottom of the spinal curvature. This rod needs to be changed every six months.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr Singh is one of the best trained and highly qualified neurosurgeon for providing treatment of spinal deformities at Amritum Hospital. The cost of any treatment is quite less if the treatment is done at the early stage of the disease. While mild cases of kyphosis or scoliosis do not require any treatment, you still need to consult a spine specialist at regular intervals. The consultation fee is Rs. 1500. The cost of X-Rays, CT Scan and MRI Scan range between Rs. 600 - 7000.

The cost of physiotherpy ranges between Rs. 500 - 3000 for 1-6 sessions. The spinal brace could cost you Rs. 2000 - 4000. The cost of Spinal Fusion Surgery for Kyphosis or Scoliosis could be in the range of Rs. 1.25 - 2.25 lacs depending upon the amount of bone material used, length of the rod and number of screws used in the surgery.If you have an individual health insurance policy then this surgery is covered after a period of 2 years from the date of inception of the policy. However if you are a beneficiary of company given policy then the surgery is covered from day one. Always go through the terms of your health insurance policy like room rent capping and co-payment to avoid any kind of financial shocks later on.

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