Scoliosis is a medical condition that involves the abnormal curvature of the spine. Instead of growing straight, the spine curves to the side, creating either a "C" or "S" shape. Scoliosis symptoms can include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, or a noticeable lean in the body. It can occur in children and adults, though it most commonly develops during a growth spurt before puberty.

Early diagnosis of scoliosis is crucial because, without treatment, the curvature can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even lung and heart problems. Correcting the spinal curve, especially for children in regions like Gaza and the West Bank, can vastly improve quality of life and prevent severe complications later in life. Learn more about why medical aid is so important in Gaza here.

Why Correcting Scoliosis Is Critical

While some mild cases of scoliosis don't require intervention, moderate to severe cases often necessitate surgery to prevent the condition from worsening. Left untreated, scoliosis can lead to a range of health issues, including:

• Chronic back pain
• Breathing difficulties due to reduced lung capacity
• Heart problems caused by pressure on the chest cavity
• Physical deformity affecting posture and movement

In particular, scoliosis surgery becomes a necessity when the curve progresses beyond 40 to 50 degrees, which can cause the spine to twist and impact organ function. Without intervention, severe scoliosis can cause complications like respiratory or cardiac issues that reduce quality of life and even life expectancy. For children and adolescents in Gaza and the West Bank, addressing scoliosis treatment early on can help avoid a lifetime of health issues. International organizations like the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) provide critical interventions for children who would otherwise lack access to specialized care.

What Does Scoliosis Surgery Entail?

When conservative treatments like braces or physical therapy fail to stop the progression of scoliosis, surgery becomes the next option. The goal of surgery for scoliosis is to straighten the spine as much as possible and stabilize it to prevent further curving. The most common type of scoliosis surgery is spinal fusion.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

In spinal fusion, a surgeon attaches metal rods, hooks, or screws to the spine to correct its alignment. The surgeon then fuses together some of the vertebrae, so they heal into a single, solid bone. This fusion helps prevent future movement between vertebrae, keeping the spine straight.

Recovery from spinal fusion can take several months, and during this time, patients may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. The success rate for spinal fusion is generally high, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in spinal alignment and reduction in pain. However, it’s important to note that while spinal fusion halts the progression of scoliosis, it doesn’t entirely eliminate curvature.

For children in Gaza and the West Bank, the availability of advanced techniques like spinal fusion often depends on international medical missions. Organizations like PCRF are critical in providing access to specialized care in these regions.

Alternative Scoliosis Surgeries

Other types of spine surgery for scoliosis include:

• Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT): A less invasive alternative to spinal fusion, VBT uses a flexible cord to correct the curve, allowing for continued spinal growth. This technique is ideal for younger patients and can preserve more natural spinal movement.
• Growing Rods: For young children with significant growth potential, growing rods can be lengthened over time, reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

In Gaza and the West Bank, implementing such advanced procedures often requires collaboration between local medical professionals and international specialists. These partnerships are critical for expanding access to life-changing scoliosis treatments in underserved areas.

Why Surgery Might Be Done

Surgery for scoliosis is usually recommended when:

• The spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and worsening.
• Non-surgical methods (bracing, physical therapy) haven’t worked.
• The patient experiences chronic pain or discomfort.
• The spinal curve interferes with lung or heart function.

Correcting scoliosis through surgery not only prevents further complications but can also significantly improve a person’s quality of life. In regions like Gaza and the West Bank, children face unique challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure and access to advanced medical treatments. Organizations like PCRF are vital in filling these gaps, providing surgeries that enable children to live healthier lives.

The Impact of Scoliosis Surgery in Gaza and the West Bank

For children in regions like Gaza and the West Bank, where healthcare resources are often stretched thin, scoliosis surgery offers hope for a healthier, more mobile future. Without access to proper medical care, untreated scoliosis can lead to lifelong disability, chronic pain, and limited mobility.

International medical missions, supported by organizations like PCRF, play a critical role in providing surgeries to children in need. These initiatives bring advanced procedures, skilled surgeons, and modern medical equipment to regions where such resources are scarce. By addressing severe spinal deformities, these programs transform lives and provide children with the opportunity to participate fully in their communities.

Understanding what causes scoliosis and recognizing scoliosis symptoms early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. While non-surgical options may help in mild cases, severe scoliosis often requires surgery to prevent further health complications and improve quality of life.

In regions like Gaza and the West Bank, the impact of scoliosis surgery goes beyond medical benefits. It restores mobility, alleviates pain, and provides children with the opportunity to live fuller lives. By supporting initiatives like those led by the PCRF, individuals can contribute to life-changing healthcare improvements in underserved regions. Learn more about how you can help here.

Help Provide Urgent Humanitarian Care for Gaza's Children

Amid the unfolding crisis in Gaza, over 1 million children hang in the balance, and PCRF teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide urgent aid. With a legacy of over 30 years marked by unwavering dedication and expertise, PCRF is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering crucial, lifesaving medical relief and humanitarian aid where it’s needed most. Access to essential resources such as food, clean water, and health care is severely limited. Urgent action is needed to prevent a greater humanitarian catastrophe. With your support, we can continue this vital work, ensuring that the over 1 million children of Gaza receive the urgent care they need and deserve. Please consider making a donation to help children in Gaza today!
 

PCRF continues to provide humanitarian aid and medical relief to children and their families — some of whom are refugees fleeing their home countries — through our pediatric cancer departments, humanitarian aid programs and projects, hospital infrastructure projects, orphan, medical, and disabled children sponsorships, refugee aid, treatment abroad programs, and medical missions. These efforts help to ensure that children in need get the vital assistance they require. You can learn more about the work we do by visiting our FAQ page.

PCRF has a committee of volunteer doctors and specialists on our Medical Advisory Board who are dedicated to building up services through training, programs, and guiding PCRF to improve the quality of pediatric care in Palestine, Lebanon, and other areas in the Middle East.

PCRF is not a political or religious organization. Our mission is to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to Arab children throughout the Middle East, regardless of their nationality, politics, or religion. We rely on charitable giving to provide medical treatment, surgeries, safety, shelter, and support to children and their families in Palestine and the Levant. Find out how you can get involved and help make a difference in children’s lives today!