Istanbul Spine Center

Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center and Surgery

Florence Nightingale Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center, as one of the world's leading health institutions, is a center specialized in spine health.

With the work of Prof. Dr. Azmi Hamzaoğlu and his team, this center adopts a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of various spinal deformities and diseases, especially scoliosis.

About the Department of Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Scoliosis and Spine Surgery is the department that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities and diseases. In this department, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted in the diagnosis and treatment of various spinal problems, especially scoliosis.

Who is a Scoliosis and Spine Surgery Specialist and What Are Their Duties?

Scoliosis and Spine Surgery specialists are physicians who have specialized in orthopedics and traumatology and have received special training in spine surgery. These specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in spinal deformities, traumas and degenerative diseases.

• Diagnosis of spinal deformities.
• Creation of surgical and non-surgical treatment plans.
• Performing complex spine surgeries.
• Postoperative follow-up and rehabilitation of patients.

What Diseases Are Covered by Scoliosis and Spine Surgery?

Scoliosis and spine surgery covers a wide range of spine-related diseases.

• Scoliosis (idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular)
• Kyphosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal fractures
• Disc herniations
• Spinal stenosis

What are Scoliosis and Spine Examinations?

Scoliosis and spine examinations are critical for diagnosing the disease and creating a treatment plan.

• Physical examination
• Adam's Forward Bending Test
• Measurement with scoliometer
• Radiological examinations
• Neurological examination

When to Seek Scoliosis and Spine Surgery?

A scoliosis and spine surgeon should be consulted in the following cases:

• If back or waist pain lasts longer than 6 weeks
• If a visible curvature in the spine is noticed
• If you have difficulty breathing
• If you have spinal problems that prevent you from doing your daily activities.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for scoliosis between the ages of 10 and 12. Early diagnosis significantly increases the success of treatment.

What is Done During a Scoliosis and Spine Examination?

Scoliosis and spine examinations usually involve several steps. This process begins with a detailed medical history. Then, a comprehensive physical examination is performed, including elements such as spinal curvature and asymmetry control. This is followed by a neurological examination. An important part of the examination is the Adam's Forward Bending Test, which is performed. In addition, measurements are made using a scoliometer. Finally, radiological examinations may be included in the process if deemed necessary by the specialist physician. All of these steps provide a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and evaluation of scoliosis and spine problems.

What Treatment Methods Are Used at Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center?

Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center uses modern and evidence-based treatment methods.

Prof. Dr. Azmi Hamzaoğlu and his team achieve significant success by offering multidisciplinary and innovative medical approaches to scoliosis with the treatment methods they apply.

The main treatment methods at the Scoliosis and Spine Center are:

Tethering Method

Stretching is an innovative technique used to stop the progression of scoliosis in growing children. In this method, a flexible cord is placed on the outside of the spine, allowing the spine to straighten as it grows.

Thanks to the stretching method, the curvature is corrected without the need for fixation of the spine, while mobility is not lost. Most importantly, growth in children is not hindered.

Sliding Growing Rod Technique

The Sliding Growing Rod technique is a method used in cases of early onset scoliosis. This technique allows the spine to grow while keeping the curve under control.

In the treatment of early-onset scoliosis, this problem is successfully treated by using the Sliding Growing Rod technique (Self-Sliding Rod technique), developed by Prof. Dr. Azmi Hamzaoğlu and accepted in the world literature.

Which Departments Are Located in Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center?

Department of Radiology

The radiology department plays a critical role in diagnosing scoliosis and other spinal diseases. Advanced imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI and CT are used in this department.

The Radiology team working with spine surgery has significant experience in scoliosis.

The specific methods and interventional procedures applied in the radiology department for diagnosis and treatment are as follows: Axial loading lumbar MRI, myelography and myeloCT, dynamic cervical MRI, facet joint blockade, facet thermocoagulation denervation, imaging-guided spine biopsies, discography and sacroplasty.

Department of Osteoporosis

The Osteoporosis Department specializes in bone density measurements and osteoporosis treatment. This department plays an important role in maintaining spinal health, especially in elderly patients.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation department works to increase the functional capacity of patients in the pre- and post-surgical period. This department plays an important role especially in the application of conservative treatment methods.

Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care

The Anesthesia and Intensive Care department ensures that complex spine surgeries are performed safely. This department closely monitors patients during and after surgery.

At Florence Nightingale Istanbul Scoliosis and Spine Center, when patients become fully conscious after surgery, pain pumps, known as "Patient Controlled Analgesia", are used where the patient adjusts the pain relief rate themselves.

Acupuncture Department

Acupuncture serves as a complementary treatment method in chronic pain management. This section is especially important for patients who prefer non-surgical treatment options.

It works in close collaboration with the Acupuncture department, which is located within the Spine Surgery department.