A comprehensive guide to Scoliosis Surgery in India

Struggling with scoliosis and seeking effective treatment? Scoliosis causes spine curvature, leading to pain, discomfort, and health issues. Many face challenges finding affordable, high-quality care. The pain and limitations of scoliosis can severely impact your life. High surgery costs in many countries make treatment inaccessible for many. India offers top-notch scoliosis surgery with world-class facilities, expert surgeons, and affordable prices. This guide covers everything you need to know about scoliosis surgery in India, from procedures to top doctors, costs, success rates, and more. Discover how India can provide the relief and care you need, at a cost you can afford.

Scoliosis Surgery Procedure in India

Scoliosis surgery aims to correct spinal curvature, relieve pain, and prevent further progression of the condition. The most common surgical procedure for scoliosis is spinal fusion, which involves realigning and stabilizing the spine. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure:

Preoperative Assessment and Preparation

1. Medical Evaluation: The process begins with a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed patient history, physical examination, and assessment of overall health to ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
2. Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are conducted to determine the degree and location of the spinal curvature. These images help the surgical team plan the procedure accurately.
3. Preoperative Planning: Surgeons use imaging results to plan the surgical approach, determine the extent of correction needed, and decide on the placement of rods, screws, and bone grafts.
4. Patient Counseling: Patients and their families are informed about the surgery, potential risks, benefits, and postoperative care. This includes a discussion of the expected recovery timeline and rehabilitation process.
5. Preoperative Testing: Blood tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and other necessary tests are conducted to ensure the patient is in optimal health before undergoing surgery.

The Surgical Procedure

1. Anesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered to ensure the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
2. Positioning: The patient is positioned face-down on the operating table, allowing the surgeon access to the spine.
3. Incision: A long incision is made along the back to expose the spine. The length and location of the incision depend on the area of the spine being corrected.
4. Exposure of the Spine: Muscles and tissues are carefully moved aside to reveal the vertebrae. This step requires precision to avoid damaging surrounding tissues and nerves.
5. Correction and Fusion:
   • Realignment: The surgeon realigns the vertebrae using metal rods, screws, hooks, and wires to hold the spine in the correct position.
   • Bone Grafting: Bone grafts, either from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft), are placed around the affected vertebrae. The bone grafts will eventually fuse with the existing bones to form a solid and stable structure.
   • Instrumentation: The rods and screws are securely fixed to the spine to maintain the corrected alignment during the fusion process.
6. Closing the Incision: Once the spine is realigned and stabilized, the surgeon carefully closes the incision with sutures or staples. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the wound.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

1. Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 4-7 days post-surgery. During this time, they are closely monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding.
2. Pain Management: Pain is managed with medications administered intravenously or orally. As recovery progresses, patients transition to oral pain relievers.
3. Mobilization: Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications such as blood clots and to promote healing. Patients may start sitting up and walking with assistance within a few days.
4. Rehabilitation: A physical therapy program is initiated to help patients regain strength and flexibility. This includes exercises to improve posture and core strength.
5. Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process. X-rays may be taken to ensure the spine is fusing correctly and the hardware remains in place.
6. Long-Term Care: Full recovery can take several months. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until the spine has fully fused. A gradual return to normal activities is recommended under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

By choosing scoliosis surgery in India, patients benefit from advanced surgical techniques, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive postoperative care, ensuring a successful outcome and improved quality of life.

Top Scoliosis Surgery Doctors in India

1. Dr. H. S. Chhabra

• Designation: Spine Surgeon (Ortho), Orthopedic Surgeon
• Experience: 36 years
• Country: India
• Affiliation: Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, Delhi

About

Dr. H. S. Chhabra is a highly experienced Spine Surgeon (Ortho) and Orthopedic Surgeon with 36 years of practice. He is affiliated with Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Paschim Vihar, Delhi. Dr. Chhabra completed his MBBS in 1987 and MS in orthopaedics in 1991, both from the University of Delhi.

Professional Memberships

• International Group for Advancement in Spinal Science
• Indian Spinal Injuries Centre
• Punjab Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Mohali
• Orissa Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Cuttack

Services Provided

• Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
• Muscle Release
• Skeletal Muscle Therapy
• Musculoskeletal Pain Management
• Functional Orthopedics
• Wrist Problems

Education

• MBBS: University of Delhi, 1987
• MS - Orthopaedics: University of Delhi, 1991

Leading Hospitals for Scoliosis Surgery in India

India is home to several world-class hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for scoliosis surgery, including:

1. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road in Chennai was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy. It was India's first corporate hospital and is acclaimed for pioneering the private healthcare revolution in the country. Over the years, Apollo Hospitals has risen to a position of leadership, emerging as Asia's foremost integrated healthcare services provider.

Location

• Address: 21 Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India
• City: Chennai
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 1983
• Treatment Availability: International
• Hospital Category: Medical

About Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, primary care, and diagnostic clinics. The Group also has telemedicine units across 10 countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, medical colleges, Med-varsity for e-learning, colleges of nursing, and hospital management.

Team and Specialties

• Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery: Apollo Hospitals hosts one of the largest cardiovascular groups globally, with around 14 world-class institutes, over 400 cardiologists & cardiac surgeons, and 200 heart stations.
• Robotic Spinal Surgery: Among the few centres in Asia to perform this advanced procedure, Apollo is at the forefront of spinal disorder management.
• Cancer Care: A 300-bedded, NABH-accredited hospital providing advanced technology in diagnosis and radiation, supported by an oncology team of renowned specialists and well-trained medical and paramedical professionals.
• Gastroenterology: Offers the latest endoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal bleeding, cancers, foreign body removal, etc.
• Transplant Institutes: The Apollo Transplant Institutes (ATI) is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and busiest solid transplant programs globally.
• Liver Surgery: Equipped with a 320-slice CT scanner, a state-of-the-art Liver Intensive Care Unit & Operation Theatre, and various surgical tools to enable safe & bloodless liver surgery.
• Neurosurgery: Recognized as a leader in acute neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is among the top hospitals specializing in neuro care worldwide.

Infrastructure

With the experience of over one million health checks, Apollo Hospitals has emerged as a key player in the corporate healthcare sector. Over 500 leading corporates, across all industry segments, have tied up with Apollo Hospitals, providing their employees ready access to sophisticated medical facilities at over 64 locations in India. The corporate services initiative of Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, aims to provide world-standard healthcare within the reach of every individual.

2. Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is a premier multi-super specialty, quaternary care hospital. Known for its international faculty and reputed clinicians, including super-sub-specialists and speciality nurses, FMRI is supported by cutting-edge technology. The hospital aims to be the 'Mecca of Healthcare' for the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Location

• Address: Sector - 44, Opposite HUDA City Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122002, India
• City: Gurgaon
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 2001
• Number of Beds: 1000
• Number of ICU Beds: 81
• Operation Theaters: 15
• Hospital Category: Medical
• Treatment Availability: International
• Status: Active
• Visibility on Website: Yes

Specialties

FMRI excels in several medical specialities, including:

• Neurosciences
• Oncology
• Renal Sciences
• Orthopedics
• Cardiac Sciences
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

These specialities leverage advanced technology and top clinicians to deliver exceptional healthcare services.

Team and Expertise

• International Recognition: FMRI has been ranked No.2 of the 30 most technologically advanced hospitals in the world by ‘topmastersinhealthcare.com,’ surpassing many other outstanding medical institutions globally.
• Patient Care: Fortis hospitals treat over 3.5 lakh patients annually, relying on reputed clinicians, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class technology such as the Da Vinci robot, ensuring patients go home healthy.
• Innovative Initiatives: FMRI's initiatives range from customized preventive health checks to quaternary care provided by super-specialized clinicians conducting rare and complex surgeries.

About Fortis Healthcare

FMRI is a flagship hospital of Fortis Healthcare, one of the top healthcare providers in India. Fortis Healthcare is known for its commitment to quality healthcare and patient safety, making FMRI one of the most sought-after medical destinations in the region.

3. Artemis Hospital

• Name: Artemis Hospital
• Address: Sector 51, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
• Country: India
• Treatment Availability: Domestic & International
• City: Gurgaon

About the Hospital

• Established: 2007
• Size: 400+ beds, 64 ICU beds
• Accreditation: First JCI and NABH accredited hospital in Gurgaon
• Awards: Asia Pacific Hand Hygiene Excellence Award by WHO (2011)
• Specialties: Cardiology, CTVS, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopedics, Spine Surgery, Organ Transplants, General Surgery, Emergency Care, Women & Child Care
• Features: Advanced medical technology, renowned professionals, research-oriented practices, patient-centric care