Final answer:
Orthopedic surgery for adult spinal deformities, as reviewed by Schwab et al., aims to correct alignment, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications. Conditions like scoliosis and kyphosis can be severe, requiring surgical interventions that may include the implantation of stabilizing devices. The surgical team focuses on patient recovery and managing potential complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Orthopedists are medical professionals who not only treat bone and joint injuries but also address various bone conditions, such as spinal deformities including scoliosis and kyphosis. These conditions may manifest during preteen years due to factors like poor posture, abnormal growth, or indeterminate causes, and they might get progressively worse during adolescent growth spurts. In adulthood, spinal deformities can be the result of accumulated injuries or diseases such as osteoporosis. While scoliosis represents an abnormal, lateral curvature of the spine, kyphosis is characterized by an excessive dorsoventral curvature, leading to a hunchback appearance.
The goals of surgical intervention, as identified by Schwab et al. in their current concepts review on the operative management for adult spinal deformities, are aimed at rectifying these abnormalities to achieve improved alignment and balance, relief from pain, and preventing further deterioration or complications. The surgical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiologist, focuses on the care and recovery of the patient, with particular attention to limiting potential damage or infection, especially in cases like meningocele or myelomeningocele forms of spina bifida.
In extreme cases of spinal deformities, such as severe scoliosis, surgery might involve the implantation of rods, screws, or other devices to straighten and stabilize the spine. Early surgical intervention is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for controlling and limiting further damage or managing symptoms.