Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery for Patients in Canada

Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in patients under age 12, but can affect people of all ages.  In many instances, the direct cause of the scoliosis isn’t known, but causes can range from genetics to illnesses like spina bifida.

Scoliosis therapy has seen major advances in recent years.  Surgical innovation has been considerable, but doctors often choose conservative therapies to treat scoliosis.  Among these are Pilates, Yoga, bracing, physical therapy and other doctor-directed exercise programs which can be supportive for patients living with scoliosis.

But when conservative therapies don’t improve the patient’s condition, surgery is indicated.

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery.

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) is a contemporary response to traditional surgical methods. At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is one of a select group of global practitioners using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery).

VATS is a game changer in MISS practice, making the procedure more precise, as the surgeon’s work is guided by an internal scope.  VATS is only available in a handful of centers around the world.

A leading-edge response.

A traditional approach to scoliosis surgery employed an anterior (frontal) incision to reach affected vertebrae, through a large incision in the chest cavity.  The medical community eventually concluded that this technique meant more complications for patients (including lung infections).  The scarring and pain following traditional surgery reduced the anterior method’s popularity.

Techniques for correcting disc anomalies through the rear of the spine caused the anterior method to be largely rejected because of these factors.  But a recent study has demonstrated that the anterior approach, when deployed with the posterior approach using pedicle screws, is a viable means of treating scoliosis, when VATS is deployed with MISS.

By using the internal scope, only two small incisions (of just one inch in length) are made.  VATS interventions result in greatly reduced blood loss and take less than an hour to perform, with much less scarring and more rapid recovery times.

Another benefit of this surgical method is that healthy tissue undergoes considerably less trauma, due to dilation technology which eliminates the need to cut through adjacent muscle.

Is MISS the answer for you?

Patients with a thoracic spinal curvature in excess of 70° are candidates for this surgical method.  If the curvature is rigid and inflexible, MISS using the VATS technique has repeatedly been shown to render outstanding patient outcomes.

If you’re living with a serious scoliosis curvature, MISS using VATS may be the answer for you, particularly if non-invasive therapy options haven’t improved the curvature.

MISS expertise at Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

With over 20 years as an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated more than 20,000 patients with spinal deformities.  At Scoliosis and Spine, we’ve seen amazing outcomes treating scoliosis with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery for patients in Canada, deploying MISS/VATS techniques.

You’re in gifted hands with Dr. Lonner.

Scoliosis & Spine is a team of committed professionals devoted to quality care.  We invite you to contact us for a consultation to explore MISS/VATS surgery for scoliosis treatment and mitigation.