Scoliosis may decrease lung capacity and cause death

Scoliosis or deformity of the spine can lead to an inability to move, cardiopulmonary disease and even death, especially in women, said orthopedic doctor Francisco Cruz López

.

The spine surgery specialist explained that if the distortion occurs at the dorsal column, that is, between the neck and the lumbar region where the chest is, the lungs will have less space and expansion, a condition that worsens over the years.

"They have pulmonary and cardiac insufficiency, which is the main consequence if they are not treated opportunely, they can die in a young adult stage between 40 and 45 years old and, in very serious cases, in childhood, "said the specialist. at a press conference.

Scoliosis is a deformity that occurs primarily in puberty or adolescence in which the spine takes the form of an "S" or a "C".

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease affects up to 3% of the world's population and affects mostly women.

In 65% of cases, the cause of the disease is unknown, although it also has a congenital component, particularly in cases where it is associated with bifid back and certain neuromuscular disorders.

Cruz López explained that the disease has no symptoms since its inception, although once it progresses, the child or adolescent suffers back pain, neurological alterations or defects in one of the legs and his spine begins to deviate somewhere.

This modification can also occur in the first months of life.

In these latter cases, infants may undergo surgery to implant a special bar that maintains the spine and is modified as the child grows, he added.

If scoliosis is detected early, surgery and cardiopulmonary changes can be avoided.

Conversely, if they are not treated in the early stages, patients will not be able to resist surgery due to oppression of the lungs and low heart capacity.

The Re-back Civil Organization provides timely detection and support for surgeries to low-income individuals who present this disease, since the cost of an operation of this type is is between 500,000 pesos and a million pesos (25 257 50,514 dollars), says Gabriela Madrazo, director of operations of the association.