Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery for Patients in Connecticut

Of all spinal deformity cases in the USA, scoliosis accounts for 20% of them.  Scoliosis is most commonly detected in patients under age 12.  74,000 emergency room visits each year concern symptoms associated with scoliosis.

But in recent times, scoliosis treatment has undergone a transformation.  Along with surgical innovation, doctors often choose conservative therapies to treat scoliosis.  Among these are physical therapy, bracing, Yoga, Pilates and other exercise regimes which can be highly effective for many patients living with scoliosis.

But when non-invasive therapies aren’t improving patient quality of life, surgery is indicated.

About (MISS):  Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery.

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is a contemporary response to traditional surgical methodologies. At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is one of a handful global practitioners of the VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery) method.

VATS represents a material advance in the realm of MISS practice, making the procedure more precise, as the surgeon is guided by the use of an internal scope.  VATS is only available in a handful of centers around the world.

A better way.

A traditional approach to scoliosis surgery demanded an anterior incision to reach vertebrae impacted by scoliosis, through a large incision in the chest cavity.  Over time, the medical community noted that this method exposed patients to more serious complications (lung infection being just one).  The large scar and pain following traditional surgery reduced its viability as a chosen method.

Techniques to correcting disc anomalies through the rear of the spine caused the anterior method to become less common.  But a recent study has revealed that the anterior approach, combined with the posterior approach, implicating the use of pedicle screws, is effective for treating scoliosis, when VATS is used in concert with MISS.

By using the internal scope and two small incisions (only one inch long), VATS procedures result in less blood loss and take under an hour to perform.  There’s minimal scarring and drastically reduced recovery time with this method.

An additional benefit is that healthy tissue undergoes materially less trauma with this technique, due to dilation technology which eliminates the need to cut through muscle.

Can it help you?

Patients presenting a thoracic spinal curvature of more than 70° are candidates for this type of surgery.  Also, if the curvature is rigid or stiff, MISS using the VATS method has resulted in excellent outcomes.

If you’re living with an acute scoliosis curvature, MISS using VATS may be the answer for you, particularly if non-invasive treatment options haven’t resulted in any improvement.

Award-winning 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 great success treating scoliosis with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery for patients in Connecticut, deploying MISS/VATS techniques.

You’re in highly competent hands with Dr. Lonner.

Scoliosis & Spine is a team of dedicated professionals committed to quality care.  We invite you to contact us for a consultation to explore MISS/VATS surgery to address your scoliosis.