It is essential to note that robots aren't taking over the surgeon's role; instead, they assist doctors during surgeries. This technological assistance is particularly evident in neurological surgery also, where advancements and a better grasp of the nervous system intricacies have led to remarkable transformations in the way surgeries are performed.
The body's command center, the nervous system, includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and more, working together to regulate various functions. Now, let's delve into technology tackling spinal scoliosis challenges!
Scoliosis and Its Obstacles
Surgery and treatment of Scoliosis involves addressing the irregular curvature of the spine, stabilizing it, and relieving compression or spinal cord damage.
The effects of scoliosis on the person having it could be the following -
● It may result in pain, disrupting daily routines.
● Limited spinal flexibility and reduced motion can curtail activities.
● Visible spinal deformity can impact self-esteem, particularly in young individuals.
● Severe instances might compromise lung function, causing breathing challenges.
● Emotional difficulties may surface.
● Scoliosis can affect daily life, demanding adaptive techniques and assistive tools.
So, think of spinal surgeries like a superhero mission, tackling deformities and ensuring spinal stability. But just like any hero's journey, there are challenges – the risk of infection, blood loss, and issues with the hardware. Keeping an eye on the spine's growth, especially during growth spurts, is crucial for success. It's all about making sure the spine stays in top shape and fights off any villains like compression or injuries!
Revolutionizing Scoliosis Surgery
In scoliosis surgeries, Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) technology is an innovative approach crucial for overseeing the spinal cord function . It involves a set of techniques utilized in surgeries to monitor neural pathways, commonly applied in high-risk procedures within neurosurgery, orthopedics, peripheral nerve, and vascular surgeries. Employing various monitoring methods such as evoked potential monitoring, somatosensory evoked potential monitoring, D-wave monitoring, and transcranial electrical motor evoked potential monitoring, these procedures occur in real-time during surgery, ensuring spinal cord safety and minimizing errors in complex spine surgeries.
IONM offers timely alerts to surgeons by supplying real-time neurophysiological information throughout the procedure. This information aids in averting or reducing the risk of surgical injury and post-operative complications.
Hence, in the evolving realm of spinal surgery, technological advancements, coupled with a deeper understanding of scoliosis challenges, are reshaping treatment approaches. Through innovative tools like Intraoperative Neuromonitoring and the use of the O–arm linked to the Navigation machine, surgeons navigate complexities with precision, ensuring not only successful interventions but also improved well-being for those undergoing spinal procedures.