SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) Scoliosis, a three dimensional deformity of the spine that affects 5-6 million people, has an exciting new treatment and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals is at the forefront of it.
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The orthopedic surgery team is now using 3D technology during spine surgery and that's making the procedure aimed at helping scoliosis much more precise and speeds up the recovery time.
Dr. Ishaan Swarup, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and director of Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, explained that previously X-ray was the only diagnostic tool and that's much more imprecise.
"Historically, when we did the surgery we would use anatomic landmarks, so basically we look at the spine, we would have a rough idea of where the safest places to place the screws," Dr. Swarup explained. "Sometimes we would use X-ray, which is a two dimensional picture, just like a picture on your phone, to to confirm that we place the screws in the right position.
"But fast forwarding to now, we are able to now employ three dimensional technology. So something like a CT scan or an MRI, which is more three dimensional. If listeners are familiar with that, we're able to really use an intraoperative CT scanner to three dimensionally know where we're placing the screws in real time and do it with accuracy, precision, and safety."
The beauty of the new 3D treatment is that it provides real time information, which, as Dr. Swarup said, "allows me to be more confident in where I'm placing the hardware to correct the scoliosis."
Listen to this week’s “As Prescribed” to learn more. You can also learn how patients can take an active role in their hospice care with UCSF here.
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