Scoliosis can be treated through many different spine surgery techniques. Recently there have been dramatic advancements using minimally invasive techniques to treat scoliosis - including the use of endoscopes, similar to those used in knee and abdominal surgeries. During the past 20 years the development of endoscopes, fiberoptic video cameras and other specially designed surgical tools have made it possible for surgery to be performed through small holes instead of large incisions.

In the mid-1990's George Picetti, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon now affiliated with Sutter Neuroscience Institute, began to pioneer thoracoscopic instrumentation for the treatment of scoliosis using endoscopes. Endoscopes allow the surgeon to see inside the body and operate through small incisions called portals. Advantages of minimally invasive scoliosis surgery include:

• Scars are dramatically less noticeable
• Blood loss during surgery is reduced
• Less disruption to the rib cage, muscles and other soft tissues
• Post-operative pain is lessened
• Fewer days are spent in the hospital
• Rehabilitation and recovery are easier and faster

You can find additional information about Dr. Picetti's minimally invasive scoliosis techniques and thoracoscopy in the treatment of scoliosis at Spine Universe.

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