Spinal surgery

Scoliosis – correcting deformities of the spine

Scoliosis refers to an outward curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can also be caused by laterally displaced, twisted and twisted vertebrae. It often leads to severe movement restrictions and degenerative changes in the vertebral segments. Even the heart and lungs can be constricted by the massive deformation of the rib cage. An operation can correct the deformation of the spine.

Your expert for spinal surgery at the ETHIANUM is Priv.-Doz. Dr Berk Oracioglu, a specialist in neurosurgery. He is supported in an advisory capacity by Prof. Dr Jürgen Harms, specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Prof Harms is an honorary member of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). The surgical techniques he has developed in scoliosis and tumour surgery are considered pioneering in the treatment of diseases and deformities of the spine.

Find out more about the symptoms of scoliosis and the surgical procedures used to correct spinal curvature.

Scoliosis – the symptoms

Up to 90 % of scolioses are idiopathic. This means that their cause is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis can occur in infancy up to the end of the growth phase. In addition to idiopathic scoliosis, there is also congenital scoliosis as a result of embryonic disorders during vertebral development.

A curvature of the spine often causes no symptoms at all. It can be treated well with physiotherapy. However, if the scoliosis progresses steadily, the following symptoms become apparent:

• Rib hump and/or rib valley due to rotational asymmetry of the vertebrae
• Lumbar bulge due to prominent muscles
• Oblique head posture
• Strained waist triangles
• Back pain
• Chest deformity, possibly with heart and lung compression
• Degenerative changes in the affected vertebral segments

Straightening scoliosis – surgical procedures

Scoliosis surgery is a serious procedure with possible complications. Surgical procedures for the treatment and straightening of scoliosis can be performed in two ways: Via the anterior (ventral) approach or from the back (dorsal). Such a procedure is often performed in a combined ventral-dorsal approach.

The procedure for scoliosis surgery:

• Dorsal instrumentation: Screws are inserted into the affected vertebrae (instrumentation), which are connected to a rod system. This eliminates the lateral curvature of the spine
• Ventral instrumentation: The procedure is performed via the thoracic or abdominal cavity. In this way, the intervertebral discs can be removed. The vertebral bodies are thus more mobile and allow derotation.
• Dorsal-ventral instrumentation: In some forms of scoliosis, for example double curves, a ventral release is also performed before instrumentation of the vertebral bodies: Intervertebral discs are removed and hardened structures are loosened or cut. The resulting gaps between the vertebrae are filled with bone material

After scoliosis surgery, many of our clients report an enormous improvement in their quality of life. Despite the complicated procedure, you are in the best hands with our experienced spine specialists at the ETHIANUM.

Our doctors

Our specialist for spinal surgery

Get to know the experienced and dedicated neurosurgeon and spine surgeon Priv.-Doz. Dr Berk Orakcioglu.

Priv.-Doz. Dr Berk Orakcioglu is a specialist in spinal surgery. The neurosurgeon performs highly demanding operations with a high degree of safety and precision. His interpersonal understanding in particular characterises his dealings with his clients.

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