SHRINERS HOSPITALS New Surgical Treatments For Scoliosis (NAPSA)—As an alternative to bracing or spinal fusion for treatment of progressive scoliosis, surgeons at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital for Children are investigating several methods for fusionless stabilization, or correction of spine deformity. By not having to fuse the spine to correct the curvature, movement andflex- ibility can be maintained, allowing for preserved motion and less chance for back pain in adulthood. For patients with progressive scoliosis whoarestill growing (girls up to age 14 and boys upto age 16), intervertebral body stapling of the convex (outer) side of the anterior spine may keep the curve from pro- eressing. This concept has been used for some timein children with bow legs and knock knees. Using staples in the spine for stabilitization of scoliosis was actually con- ceived 20 years ago, but failed because the staples would dislodge and fall into the chest. Improvements in technology, however, have led to development of a staple made of a memory shapedalloy (nickel and titanium). The staple is shaped like a clamp while at room temperature. When placed in an ice bath, the staple can be bent straight for insertion. This X-ray was taken of a 13- year-old scoliosis patient at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital who underwentthe stapling procedure. A year later, the curvature of her spine improved from 35 degrees to 27 degrees. services totally free of charge to After inserting the staple into the spine, upon heating to body tem- children with orthopaedic problems, burns and spinal cord injuries, write to: Shriners International Headquarters, Public Rela- original clamp shape, which pre- Tampa FL 33607, or visit the Web perature the staple returns to its vents it from dislodging. This technological advancement has allowed physicians to reconsider its use for correction of spine deformity. For more information on Shriners’ network of 22 hospitals that provide medical care and tions Dept., 2900 Rocky Point Dr., site at www.shrinershq.org. Treatment is provided to children under age 18 without regard to race, reli- gion or relationship to a Shriner. If you know a child Shriners can help, call 1-800-237-5055 in the United States or 1-800-3617256 in Canada.
