Understanding the Reflect Scoliosis Correction System
An Innovative Approach to Spinal Alignment
Are you curious about the latest advancements in scoliosis treatment? Look no further than the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System, a game-changer in the field of spinal alignment. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the remarkable features and benefits of this groundbreaking system, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how it can transform the lives of individuals living with scoliosis.
When it comes to spinal alignment and the treatment of scoliosis, the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System stands out as an innovative solution. This advanced system utilizes a flexible and durable polymer cord, which plays a crucial role in correcting deformities while preserving natural patient growth. By applying non-fusion fixation on the convex side of the scoliotic spine, the REFLECT system effectively limits growth on that side while allowing for more growth on the concave side.
This groundbreaking approach offers numerous benefits, including minimal invasiveness, optimized implant options, and intraoperative deformity correction. Let’s delve deeper into the features and advantages of the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System.
Understanding the Increasing Prevalence of Scoliosis and the Need for Effective Treatment Options
The Rising Prevalence of Scoliosis
Scoliosis otherwise known as Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a frequently occurring spinal condition that develops during the ages of 10 to 16. It is identified by an abnormal sideways curving of the spine, making the shoulder, waist or hips look uneven. One side of the back may have a more prominent rib cage than the other. The curve may become more severe as time goes on, and it may be necessary to seek treatment in order to slow down or prevent the curve from getting worse. If not treated, severe scoliosis could lead to long-term health issues such as breathing difficulties, heart problems, and pain.
According to recent studies, the prevalence of scoliosis is estimated to affect approximately 2-4% of the population with females being more commonly affected than males (ratio = 1.5:11). This statistic highlights the importance of understanding the condition and finding effective treatment options.
The Impact of Scoliosis on Daily Life
The Need for Effective Treatment Options
Given the increasing prevalence and the potential impact on individuals, it is crucial to have effective treatment options for scoliosis. Traditional treatments, such as bracing and spinal fusion surgery, have been utilized for many years, but they may have limitations in terms of effectiveness, invasiveness, and long-term outcomes. Other physical therapy methods such as the Schroth method, and chiropractic treatment are also being used as supportive therapy. Recently, acupuncture and yoga have been utilized in the management of scoliosis symptoms.
Innovations in Scoliosis Treatment
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have paved the way for innovative treatment options, such as the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System. The REFLECT™ Scoliosis Correction System offers a treatment option for correcting scoliosis that promotes the natural movement and growth of the spine. This system offers a unique approach to spinal alignment, harnessing the power of innate patient growth while preserving motion. Instead of relying on rigid metal rods used in spinal fusion, REFLECT™
utilizes a flexible and durable cord limiting growth on that side and allowing for more growth on the concave side. This cord allows for scoliosis correction through the patient’s own growth, a process known as growth modulation. By placing the flexible cord on the taller side of the curve and applying tension, the shorter side can continue to grow and gradually straighten the curve. This innovative approach harnesses the power of the patient’s own growth to help repair the spinal curvature.
The Benefits of the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System
The REFLECT system offers several benefits that make it a promising option for scoliosis treatment.
- Minimally Invasive: The system is designed to be implanted through a mini-open or thoracoscopic approach, minimizing tissue disruption and scar tissue formation. It can be implanted through a mini-open or thoracoscopic approach, which helps minimize tissue disruption and scar tissue formation. This is beneficial for both the surgical process itself and the patient’s recovery post-surgery.
- Optimized Implant Offering: Low profile screws with a non-threaded locking mechanism and diameter-specific staples, used in conjunction with the REFLECT cord, create an optimized construct for achieving spinal alignment and maintaining stability.
- Intraoperative Deformity Correction: Multi-functional instruments facilitate cord insertion and tensioning, providing precise control of curve correction and stabilization during surgery. The flexible and durable cord allows for additional correction as the patient grows.
How is the REFLECT System different from traditional approaches to scoliosis correction?
The REFLECT System stands out from traditional approaches to scoliosis correction in several ways. Firstly, it utilizes a flexible cord instead of fusion fixation. Fusion fixation involves permanently joining the affected vertebrae, whereas the REFLECT System allows for motion and growth while still achieving spinal alignment.
Additionally, the REFLECT System offers optimized implants that contribute to its effectiveness. The low-profile screws with a non-threaded locking mechanism and diameter-specific staples, in combination with the REFLECT cord, create a construct that promotes spinal alignment and maintains stability. This is particularly important for skeletally immature patients who are still growing.
The REFLECT System also provides intraoperative deformity correction through multi-functional instruments. These instruments assist with cord insertion, tensioning, and enable precise control of curve correction and stabilization during the surgery. The flexible and durable cord not only limits growth on the convex side of the curve but also allows for additional correction as the patient grows.
In summary, the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System offers a unique approach to spinal alignment in individuals with scoliosis. Its use of a flexible cord, minimally invasive implantation, and ability to facilitate growth make it stand out from traditional approaches. By understanding and utilizing this innovative system, medical professionals can provide patients with a more effective and personalized treatment option for scoliosis correction.
The clinical data indicates that the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System has shown potential benefits in preventing the progression of spinal curves and avoiding the need for spinal fusion, which is the current standard treatment. It was found that the rate of additional surgeries, such as revisions and reoperations, was higher for individuals treated with the REFLECT System compared to those who underwent spinal fusion. However, it is important to note that only three out of the 20 patients required a switch to spinal fusion treatment. Overall, the feedback from patients regarding the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System has been positive.
Looking Toward a Promising Future
With the increasing prevalence of scoliosis, it is crucial to have effective treatment options that can improve the lives of those affected. The REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System offers a unique and promising approach that combines innovation, minimal invasiveness, and the potential for improved long-term outcomes. By embracing these advancements, we can provide individuals with scoliosis the opportunity for a better quality of life and a brighter future.
Understanding the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System
What is the REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System?
The REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System is an innovative approach to achieving spinal alignment in individuals with scoliosis. Unlike traditional approaches, the REFLECT System utilizes a flexible, durable cord that harnesses the power of innate patient growth while preserving motion. This system aims to correct the deformity associated with scoliosis and promote spinal alignment.