15 Frequently Asked Questions : Scoliosis Correction Surgery in India for Uzbek Patients

Q1 · What is Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Scoliosis correction surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct and stabilize significant spinal curvature in selected patients.

Scoliosis may involve

• Sideways curvature of the spine
• Rotation of the vertebrae
• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven hips
• Abnormal posture
• Back pain in some patients
• Reduced physical function in selected cases

Scoliosis can occur in

• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults

The underlying cause may vary.

It can include

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Congenital scoliosis
• Neuromuscular scoliosis
• Degenerative scoliosis
• Syndromic scoliosis
• Other spinal deformities

What does the surgery involve?

Depending on the patient's condition, surgery may involve

• Spinal instrumentation
• Pedicle screws
• Rods
• Bone grafting
• Spinal fusion
• Vertebral or spinal deformity correction
• Osteotomy in selected complex cases
• Other specialized deformity-correction techniques

The main objectives may be to

• Reduce the spinal curvature
• Improve spinal alignment
• Prevent further progression
• Improve balance
• Stabilize the spine
• Improve functional problems associated with the deformity

The exact surgical technique depends on the individual patient's anatomy and curvature pattern.

Q2 · How much does Scoliosis Correction Surgery cost in Uzbekistan compared with India?

The cost depends on the patient's age, severity of scoliosis, number of spinal levels involved, surgical technique, implants, complexity, hospital, surgeon, investigations and length of stay.

For planning purposes, this guide uses

• US$1 ≈ UZS 12,200
• US$1 ≈ INR 96

The final cost may depend on

• Type of scoliosis
• Degree of curvature
• Number of vertebral levels
• Patient's age
• Skeletal maturity
• Surgical approach
• Number of implants
• Implant manufacturer
• Bone graft requirements
• Osteotomy requirements
• Navigation or intraoperative imaging
• Surgeon fees
• Anaesthesia
• Hospital charges
• ICU requirements
• Medicines
• Physiotherapy
• Pre-operative investigations
• Post-operative imaging
• Duration of hospitalisation

Patients should request a written quotation identifying all included and excluded services. The figures are indicative planning ranges and should not be treated as a guaranteed surgical package price.

Q3 · Which Indian cities can Uzbek patients consider for Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Availability of a specific scoliosis correction programme, deformity specialist and required technology should be confirmed before travel.

Q4 · Which hospitals in India can Uzbek patients consider for Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Not every hospital listed performs every type of scoliosis surgery. Uzbek patients should confirm the availability of a dedicated spinal-deformity specialist, the proposed procedure, implant system and required technology before travelling.

Q5 · What types of Scoliosis Correction Surgery are available?

The surgical approach depends on the patient's age, curvature, spinal anatomy and severity.

1. Posterior Scoliosis Correction

The surgeon approaches the spine from the back and uses instrumentation and fusion to correct and stabilize the curvature.

2. Anterior Scoliosis Surgery

In selected patients, the surgical approach may involve access to the front of the spine.

3. Posterior Spinal Fusion

This may involve

• Pedicle screws
• Rods
• Bone graft
• Spinal fusion

4. Complex Spinal Deformity Correction

Patients with severe or complex curves may require advanced deformity-correction techniques.

5. Osteotomy

Selected patients may require controlled removal or reshaping of part of the vertebral bone to improve spinal alignment.

6. Revision Scoliosis Surgery

Revision surgery may be required for selected patients who have undergone previous spinal surgery and developed

• Recurrent deformity
• Hardware problems
• Non-union
• Persistent instability
• Other complications

7. Paediatric Scoliosis Surgery

Children may require specialized treatment depending on

• Age
• Growth remaining
• Curve severity
• Progression
• Underlying cause

The exact procedure should be selected by a specialist after detailed assessment.

Q6 · Who may be suitable for Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Surgery may be considered for selected patients with

• Severe scoliosis
• Progressive spinal curvature
• Significant spinal imbalance
• Severe deformity
• Persistent symptoms
• Neurological problems associated with the deformity
• Significant functional limitations
• Curves that are unlikely to be adequately managed with non-surgical treatment
• Complex congenital or neuromuscular deformities

The specialist may evaluate

• Degree of curvature
• Curve pattern
• Progression
• Age
• Skeletal maturity
• Balance
• Pain
• Neurological findings
• Lung or other functional concerns where relevant
• Previous treatment
• General health

Not every patient with scoliosis requires surgery.

Depending on the condition, non-surgical management may include

• Observation
• Physiotherapy
• Exercise
• Bracing
• Pain management
• Rehabilitation

The treatment decision should be individualized.

Q7 · What tests are required before Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Patients may require

• Standing full-spine X-rays
• Cobb-angle measurement
• Bending X-rays where required
• MRI spine
• CT scan in selected cases
• Neurological examination
• Pulmonary assessment where indicated
• Blood tests
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Blood sugar testing
• ECG
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Bone-health assessment where appropriate

For complex deformities, additional imaging may be required.

The specialist uses these investigations to assess

• Curve severity
• Spinal balance
• Vertebral anatomy
• Flexibility
• Neurological structures
• Surgical levels
• Implant requirements

Children and adolescents may require additional assessment of skeletal maturity and growth.

Q8 · What medical records should Uzbek patients send before travelling?

Uzbek patients should provide

• Full-spine X-rays and reports
• MRI spine images and reports
• CT scans where applicable
• Previous spinal imaging
• Previous scoliosis measurements where available
• Previous consultation reports
• Previous surgery records
• Previous operative reports
• Previous hospital discharge summaries
• Physiotherapy records
• Bracing history
• Current medication list
• Blood-test reports
• Pulmonary reports where applicable
• Neurology reports where applicable
• Details of previous spinal implants, if any

For children, patients should also provide available information regarding

• Age
• Growth
• Previous curve progression
• Previous bracing
• Previous treatment

Actual imaging files should be shared whenever possible.

Q9 · How does Scoliosis Correction Surgery work?

Treatment generally follows several stages.

Step 1: Specialist Evaluation

The spine specialist reviews

• Medical history
• Symptoms
• Physical examination
• Spinal imaging
• Curve measurements
• Previous treatment

Step 2: Curve Assessment

The specialist evaluates

• Curve type
• Curve magnitude
• Flexibility
• Spinal balance
• Vertebral rotation
• Skeletal maturity

Step 3: Surgical Planning

The surgeon determines

• Which spinal levels require treatment
• Surgical approach
• Instrumentation plan
• Fusion levels
• Need for osteotomy or other correction techniques

Step 4: Pre-Operative Assessment

The patient undergoes medical and anaesthesia evaluation.

Step 5: Surgical Correction

Depending on the procedure, the surgeon may

• Place spinal screws
• Connect rods
• Correct the curvature
• Perform spinal fusion
• Use bone graft
• Perform osteotomy where required

Step 6: Intraoperative Monitoring

For selected complex procedures, neurological monitoring may be used during surgery.

Step 7: Post-Operative Monitoring

The patient is monitored for

• Neurological status
• Pain
• Wound condition
• Mobility
• Other post-operative issues

Step 8: Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy and gradual mobilization are introduced according to the procedure and patient's condition.

Q10 · What are the alternatives to Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Depending on the patient's age and condition, alternatives may include

• Observation
• Physiotherapy
• Exercise
• Scoliosis-specific rehabilitation
• Bracing
• Pain management
• Activity modification
• Regular imaging surveillance

For growing children and adolescents, bracing may be considered in selected cases to help reduce the risk of curve progression. However, severe or progressive deformities may require surgical evaluation.

The appropriate approach depends on

• Age
• Curve severity
• Curve progression
• Skeletal maturity
• Symptoms
• Underlying cause
• General health

Q11 · What should Uzbek patients ask before accepting a Scoliosis Correction Surgery quotation?

Uzbek patients should ask

• What is the exact type of scoliosis?
• What is the measured curvature?
• Is the curve progressing?
• Why is surgery being recommended?
• What happens if surgery is delayed?
• Which spinal levels will be treated?
• What surgical approach is proposed?
• Will spinal fusion be required?
• How many implants are expected?
• Which implant system will be used?
• Are implant costs included?
• Is bone graft included?
• Is navigation included?
• Is neurological monitoring included?
• Are surgeon fees included?
• Are anaesthesia charges included?
• Are ICU charges included?
• Are medicines included?
• Are imaging charges included?
• How many days of hospitalisation are expected?
• Will physiotherapy be required?
• What complications are possible?
• What is the expected recovery period?
• When can the patient travel?
• What additional costs could arise?
• What follow-up imaging will be required?
• When is the first follow-up?
• Can follow-up be managed in Uzbekistan?
• What records will be provided after surgery?
• What activity restrictions will apply after returning home?

Patients should obtain a written quotation showing all included and excluded services.

Q12 · How long should Uzbek patients stay in India for Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

The duration depends on

• Age
• Curve severity
• Surgical complexity
• Number of spinal levels
• Surgical approach
• Recovery
• Physiotherapy requirements

Uzbek patients should allow time for

• Specialist consultation
• Imaging review
• Pre-operative testing
• Medical clearance
• Surgery
• Hospitalisation
• Initial physiotherapy
• Wound assessment
• Post-operative review

Complex deformity correction may require a longer hospital and recovery period than less complex procedures. International patients should not schedule their return flight immediately after surgery. The treating team should confirm when the patient is medically fit to travel.

Q13 · What is recovery like after Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Recovery varies considerably according to the patient's age, procedure and complexity.

Patients may experience

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Incision discomfort
• Temporary mobility limitations

Pain medication may be prescribed according to the surgeon's instructions.

Early Recovery

Patients may gradually begin

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Basic mobility exercises

Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation may include

• Walking
• Posture training
• Strengthening
• Flexibility exercises
• Functional training

Activity Restrictions

Patients may temporarily need to avoid

• Heavy lifting
• Bending
• Twisting
• High-impact activities
• Contact sports

The treating surgeon should provide individualized instructions.

Long-Term Recovery

Spinal fusion and deformity correction require time for healing.

Follow-up may include

• Clinical examination
• X-rays
• Assessment of spinal alignment
• Evaluation of fusion
• Physiotherapy review

Patients should follow the treating team's activity and rehabilitation instructions.

Q14 · How can follow-up be managed after returning to Uzbekistan?

Before leaving India, patients should obtain

• Final diagnosis
• Operative report
• Discharge summary
• Pre-operative and post-operative imaging
• Implant details
• Implant manufacturer and model information
• Medication list
• Wound-care instructions
• Activity restrictions
• Physiotherapy plan
• Follow-up schedule
• Warning signs requiring medical attention

Follow-up may involve

• Spine surgeon
• Orthopaedic specialist
• Neurosurgeon where appropriate
• Physiotherapist
• Rehabilitation specialist

Follow-up X-rays or other imaging may be required to assess

• Spinal alignment
• Implant position
• Fusion progress
• Other post-operative changes

Patients should retain copies of all imaging and medical records for future consultations in Uzbekistan.

Q15 · Should an Uzbek patient travel to India for Scoliosis Correction Surgery?

Uzbek patients considering scoliosis correction surgery in India should first have their medical records and spinal imaging reviewed by an appropriate spine specialist.

Before travelling, patients should understand

• Exact type of scoliosis
• Curve severity
• Curve progression
• Whether surgery is required
• Proposed surgical procedure
• Spinal levels involved
• Whether fusion is required
• Implant requirements
• Estimated treatment cost
• Expected hospital stay
• Possible complications
• Expected recovery period
• Physiotherapy requirements
• Follow-up imaging
• Follow-up requirements after returning to Uzbekistan

The decision should be based on individual specialist evaluation and a clear understanding of the proposed treatment plan.