30% of scoliosis surgeries in the UAE are revision cases to operations performed abroad

United Arab Emirates, Dubai - When you think of scoliosis, it is most often associated with kids, during the growth spurt just before puberty. While some cases require a surgery to treat the condition, there are 30 percent cases that need a revision surgery according to Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic & Paediatric Spine Surgeon at Burjeel Hospital For Advanced Surgery (BHAS).

Simply put, a revision surgery means the first surgery failed to fix the problem, or worse, there is more pain or deformity than you could experience before the procedure. As such, another surgery is required to correct what failed.

“Indeed, most cases we handle in the UAE are revision surgeries for children. Some of these patients have been treated at very high and well recognised centres in Europe and North America because the parents of these children believed that treatment abroad is better. However, this is a myth and its time people break out of it. Treatments in the UAE are not only affordable and cost-effective, but also offer the same international standards, if not higher,” said Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi.

“Scoliosis surgeries are extensive, and the complication rates are even higher, which means when you opt for a surgery outside the UAE, you are not protected and run a risk of undergoing complications. Moreover, these kids have to travel abroad, only to come back to the country to have an extensive surgery much more difficult than the one done before to correct what was done. This puts the child through another round of stress, pain, surgery and anaesthesia, which can take a toll on the child’s health.” added Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi.

Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi has extensive experience in dealing with paediatric spine deformities, like Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Early Onset Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Cerebral Palsy, Tendon Transfer, Paediatric Hip Treatment, Paediatric Foot Deformity and Limb Deformity Correction. With around 18 years of experience in treating paediatric orthopaedics, Dr. Zaid has performed over 3000 elective cases and has a massive experience in treating fractures – simple to comprehensive ones.

“The idea behind performing a surgery is to bring about mobility for the child. However, we’ve often seen that most surgeries done abroad lack a clear concept of the condition, only to leave the patient complaining of dislocation, infection, stiffness and lack of mobility post the surgery. As such, it is very important that experienced and skilled surgeons perform procedures.” said Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi.

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery (BHAS) has been a pioneer in treating adolescent scoliosis. While the experienced team of doctors at the hospital ensures that the bleeding and infection is minimal, special care is taken to ensure there is no nerve injury which in most cases could affect the walking ability of the child. Additionally, the hospital uses anintraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) device, which is a special instrument, used to detect any signs of pressure on the nerves while doing the scoliosis surgery. Using this device not only reduces the risk of neuron or nerve injury, but also paves way for faster recovery.

“Doing a revision is the same principal as doing the primary surgery, but even more difficult. When we do a revision surgery, we venture in an area which has lost the normal anatomy and require further precision and accuracy to correct the condition. As such, it is always recommended to perform the primary surgery with recognised hospitals in your home country.” said Dr. Zaid Al Aubaidi.

Adolescent scoliosis is classically defined as scoliosis that is first diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 12. It occurs in girls more often than boys, especially as the magnitude of the curve increases above 30 degrees. Cost for scoliosis surgeries in the UAE when compared to Europe and North America, is a lot cheaper and helps save time, financial, physical, mental and even emotional stress to the whole family.

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About Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery (BHAS), Dubai has three operation theaters with quality services offered in Joint Replacement surgery, Spine Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Hand Surgery, Sports Medicine and Interventional Pain Management for complicated chronic pain. Patients benefit from a team of highly specialized consultants, many of whom are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise and experience.

The team offers medical and surgical care of the highest standards using the most up to date procedures which include the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to speed up recovery, manage pain, and treat sports injuries and all orthopedic conditions.

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