NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) — A new method of closing incisions in patients after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis nearly eliminated infections following the procedure in a test group, researchers reported in a new study.
Scoliosis is a condition that causes an s- or c-shaped curve in the spine. It is often treated with spinal fusion surgery, which involves fusing steel rods or other devices to straighten and support the spine.
The new technique involves using a flap of skin helping doctors to eliminate dead space around the surgical work where infection can grow and provides a better barrier while the body is healing.
In the test, researchers compared records of 76 patients who were between the ages of 8 and 25 and had had scoliosis surgery. All of the patients had non-idiopathic scoliosis, a type caused by an underlying disease or condition and is often more prone to infection.
Of the 42 patients who had the conventional procedure, 19 percent had some type of wound complication — about the number normally expected with this surgery, researchers said. In the group who had the new method, however, there were no complications or infections.
“This game-changing method for closing incisions after surgery can benefit all patients with scoliosis, especially those most at risk for complications depending on the cause of their spine problems,” said Dr. David S. Feldman, a professor of orthopaedic surgery and pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center, in a press release. “All of our patients with scoliosis — from the basic to most complex cases — can feel confident knowing their safety is our top priority.”
The study is published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics.
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