Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery for Patients in the United Kingdom

While scoliosis can affect people of all ages, it’s most commonly diagnosed in patients under age 12.  In many cases, the underlying cause of scoliosis isn’t known, but scoliosis can arise from genetics or ailments like spina bifida.

Scoliosis treatment has enjoyed a transformation in recent years.  Surgical breakthroughs have been considerable, but doctors often choose non-invasive options to treat scoliosis.  Among these are bracing, Pilates, Yoga, physical therapy and other medically-prescribed exercise regimes which can be supportive for patients struggling with scoliosis.

But when non-invasive therapies don’t improve the patient’s quality of life, surgery is indicated.

What is minimally invasive scoliosis surgery?

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) is a modern response to traditional surgical techniques. At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is one of an elite group of surgeons using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery).

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

The breakthrough.

The traditional approach to scoliosis surgery required an anterior incision to reach impacted vertebrae, through a large incision in the chest cavity.  Over time, the clinical community concluded that this method occasioned more complications (including lung infections).  Significant scarring and pain after traditional surgery further reduced the anterior method’s viability.

Techniques for addressing scoliosis through the rear of the spine caused the anterior method to be largely rejected because of these factors.  But a recent study has revealed that the anterior approach, when deployed with the posterior approach using pedicle screws, is an effective means of treating scoliosis, when VATS is combined with MISS.

By deploying the internal scope, only two small incisions (a mere one inch long) are made.  VATS interventions result in minimal blood loss and take under an hour to accomplish, with reduced scarring and faster recovery times.

Another benefit of this method is that healthy tissue encounters materially less trauma, due to dilation technology which precludes the need to cut through muscle.

Is MISS the right treatment for you?

Patients with a thoracic spinal curvature of more than 70° are candidates for this surgical technique.  If the curvature is inflexible and stiff, MISS using the VATS technique has been shown to render exceptional outcomes for our patients.

If you’re living with a serious scoliosis curvature, MISS using VATS may be the right treatment for you, especially if conservative therapeutic options haven’t addressed the curvature.

Leading-edge expertise at Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

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

You’re in experienced 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 discuss MISS/VATS surgery as the answer for your scoliosis.