Sometimes, your cervical spinal injury may not have been treated in a timely fashion, and this may lead to significant deformity, usually leading to a crooked spine or kyphotic spine. In our neighbouring countries, spinal deformity can also be due to tuberculosis of the spine (Figure 1) causing destruction and collapse of the cervical spine, leading to a crooked spine or kyphotic spine. The consequences of the deformity maybe neck pain, as well as various complaints secondary to spinal cord compression e.g. extremity weakness, numbness, and tingling. Sometimes, the control of the bladder and bowel maybe an issue.
Surgical reconstruction of the spine can be a challenge. The surgery can either be performed from the back, front, or both approaches. If it is both approaches (Figure 2), they can either be done on the same day or staged (i.e. done at 2 different timings about 5 to 7 days apart).
Our doctor Adjunct A/Professor Hee Hwan Tak has much experience in surgical reconstruction for crooked spine treatment. Contact us for a comprehensive consultation. Visit Dr Hee Hwan Tak’s Google+ page here.