India’s Apollo Hospitals Group and Med Connect Sri Lanka have introduced a Scoliosis Helpline number at a seminar on Scoliosis organised by Med Connect-Sri Lanka in association with Apollo Hospitals.
Speaking on the occasion, Director, Centre for Advanced & Robotic Spine Care, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Sajan K. Hegde said, “The recent advancements in spine surgery with the advent of robotic guidance system, world class implants and modern diagnostics, such as, 320 slice CT scan etc have made surgical interventions in scoliosis correction more effective and safe. Congenital scoliosis begins as a baby’s back develops before birth. Problems with the tiny bones in the back, called vertebrae, can cause the spine to curve. The vertebrae may be incomplete or fail to divide properly. Family history and genetics can also be risk factors for idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis shows up most often during growth spurts, usually, when children are between 10 and 15 years. About the same number of boys and girls are diagnosed with minor idiopathic scoliosis. But, curves in girls are 10 times more likely to get worse and may need to be treated.
In most, the reasons for the change in shape are not known, but in other cases, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida are factors in the development of scoliosis. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis, and affects children who are at least 10 years old. Idiopathic means that there is no known cause.
Parents should be aware of the symptoms which can include:
* the head is slightly off centre
* the ribcage is not symmetrical – the ribs may be at different heights
* one hip is more prominent than the other
* Clothes do not hang properly
* one shoulder, or shoulder blade, is higher than the other
* the individual may lean to one side
* Uneven leg lengths
Degenerative scoliosis affects adults. It usually develops in the lower back as the disks and joints of the spine begin to wear out as you age.
The early diagnosis and treatment in an appropriate spine care centre with track record is quite important. At our advanced spine care centre, we use Mazor Robotic Spine Surgery Guidance system and special operating table, like the Roger – Jackson, state-of-the-art neuro monitoring systems to make the surgery absolutely safe. We will soon have a spine foundation which would help fund children who cannot afford the surgery and will offer training to doctors who would like to advance their career in the field of spine care. CEO of Med Connect, Nilmini Withana said, Med Connect with the gracious support of the Lions Club of Nawala has been able to provide a lot of assistance to children suffering from scoliosis, and through the helpline, we would try to offer 24/7 support. She said, two great nations through this initiative will collaborate on handling Scoliosis and this remains the first Indo-Sri Lanka Spine Care Initiative.
Dr. Madhu Kiran, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Jitnu Jose, Snr General Manager Apollo Hospitals Group and Ms. Ashipa Sinha (Manager-Apollo Hospital) were also present.
The Helpline No: 0764212122.