An approach to anaesthesia for scoliosis repair

Authors

Keywords:

scoliosis, scoliosis repair surgery, anaesthetist’s approach

Abstract

Scoliosis is a condition that involves abnormal lateral curvature of the spine which may also involve rib cage deformity. It is described radiologically with a Cobb angle > 10°,1 and can be classified by the shape of the deformity and by which part of the spinal column is involved. In addition to cosmetic consequences, severe disease also leads to chronic back pain and may impact cardiorespiratory function. Generally, a Cobb angle > 45–50° requires surgery.2

Scoliosis can be classified aetiologically. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis accounts for approximately 75% of cases3 and occurs in 1–3% of the general population.4 Of those patients, only 0.1% will require surgery in order to improve function and cosmesis.4 Surgery may involve a posterior approach, anterior approach or a combination of the two.4

Author Biography

MA Wellbeloved, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Department of Anaesthesia, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, South Africa

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Published

2021-11-15

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 6 (2021)

Section

FCA Refresher Course

License

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