Kyphosis Surgery in Iran

Get affordable kyphosis surgery in Iran and find top Iranian spine surgeons at the best hospitals. We at Iran Medical Tours will assist you through your medical journey to Iran. We are here to support you through the whole stages of your trip including medical consultations, booking appointments, getting an Iran medical visa, accommodation, airport transfers and transportation, accompanying translators or interpreters, and all pre-and-post-operative services and follow-ups.

Get in touch with us and enjoy our services for hassle-free medical travel to Iran.

What Is Kyphosis (Humpback)?

Kyphosis (hunchback) is a deformity of the spine that causes the upper back to appear more curved and hunched than normal by bending forward. The structure of the spine generally consists of 3 parts:

• The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, which are located at the top of the neck and allow us to move our neck

• The thoracic spine includes 12 vertebrae in the back,

• The lumbar spine consists of 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.

Each segment has a natural curve in a healthy spine when viewed from the side. This natural curvature of the spine is characterized by hollowness in the lumbar and cervical regions and a slight hump in the back, bulging outwards. The natural hump angle in the dorsal region is between 20-45 degrees (Picture 1).

Picture 1. The natural hump angle in a healthy spine is between 20-45 degrees.

The natural curvature of a healthy spine is important for balance, supports our posture, and helps us to stand upright. However, if this curvature is more or less than it should be, it is difficult to stand upright and posture disorders can be seen. A back curvature angle of 50 degrees or more is known as Hyperkyphosis or commonly used Kyphosis (Humpback) (Picture 2).

Picture 2. In patients with kyphosis, the angle of hunchback in the back is 50 degrees and above

What Are the Types of Kyphosis?

This disease, which can occur at any age, is more common in adolescents and older women. The most common causes of kyphosis in children and adolescents are:

• Postural Kyphosis: The most common type of hunchback often occurs during adolescence and develops due to poor posture. This type of hunchback can usually be corrected by correcting posture and kyphosis exercises and does not cause serious problems in adulthood.

• Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a developmental type of kyphosis that occurs during growth. This condition, which affects the upper back, causes the spine to bend too far forward. It is named after the Danish radiologist who first described this condition. It is more serious than postural kyphosis and can cause pain in some cases. Standing or sitting for long periods worsens the pain.

• Congenital Kyphosis: A congenital condition that occurs when the development of the spine is abnormal while the baby is in the womb. As the curvature of the spine becomes more pronounced as the child grows, kyphosis surgery is usually required.

The severity of the curvature of the spine and hunchback varies from person to person. Generally, the larger the curve, the more severe the symptoms and complaints of kyphosis. In severe cases, severe curvature of the back can cause pain or pressure on the lungs, leading to heart and respiratory problems. Kyphosis surgery should be performed if the hump angle is above 75 degrees and the curvature tends to progress.

What Are the Symptoms of Kyphosis (Humpback)?

Apart from the abnormal curve and hunched appearance of the back, sometimes there are no symptoms or the patient may only complain of mild back pain. However, in severe curvatures, the patient may have a pronounced hump on the back and other symptoms.

Depending on the severity of the curvature of the back, the symptoms of kyphosis are as follows:

• Back pain and stiffness

• Tenderness in the spine

• When leaning forward, the upper back appears higher than normal

• Difference between right and left shoulder heights

• Difficulty looking up and across

Symptoms of severe hunchback include difficulty breathing and eating, and rapid fatigue. In addition, the symptoms worsen as the curvature of the back increases.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hunchback or if your complaints are increasing over time, you can consult our spine health specialist Dr Mohammadreza Shakeri.

Contact us about the most up-to-date kyphosis treatment methods.

What Causes Humpback or Kyphosis?

Hunchback or Kyphosis can be congenital or may occur during adolescence or later in life for various reasons. It is more common in young people whose bones are growing rapidly. In addition, as we age, our vertebrae lose their flexibility and the spine starts to lean forward, which can cause hunchbacks.

There are different causes of humpback. For example, postural kyphosis can be caused by posture disorders, such as carrying heavy bags. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is caused by a structural defect of the spine due to the vertebrae not developing properly. Congenital kyphosis is a congenital type that develops due to problems in the spine while still in the womb.

The causes of hunchback are usually the following:

• Impaired posture

• Scheuermann’s disease

• Aging

• Collapse of the back vertebrae due to osteoporosis

• Spinal injuries and fractures

• Infection

• Cancer and cancer treatments

• Metabolic problems

• Neuromuscular diseases

• Spina bifida

How Is Humpback (Kyphosis) Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of kyphosis requires a detailed medical examination. During the examination, your doctor will check your balance, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. To better visualize the curvature of the spine and to observe any spinal deformity, you will be asked to bend forward at the waist with your arms at your side to assess the hump in your back. In addition, a medical history should be taken, and, if the patient is a child, a history of development at birth or during growth should be obtained.

After examining the symptoms, radiological examinations such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and make a treatment plan. X-rays usually confirm the diagnosis of kyphosis and determine the degree of curvature. However, if he or she is experiencing muscle weakness, a test called electromyography (EMG), which measures the function of nerves and muscles, will be needed.

In cases of kyphosis that occur in adulthood, additional tests are needed to determine the underlying cause. Investigations such as bone density measurements to determine how strong your bones are and blood tests to check for infection.

Kyphosis Surgery in Iran

As a result of examinations and tests, kyphosis surgery in Iran is recommended for patients with a hump angle above 75 degrees. Young people with a hump that causes severe pain or appearance concerns can also choose to correct this deformity with surgery.

Kyphosis surgery is performed in the following cases:

• In cases where the curvature of the spine is very pronounced (75 degrees or more)

• In the presence of pain that cannot be controlled with medication

• Problems such as difficulty breathing

• If neurological symptoms occur

• In cases where spinal curvature progresses despite other treatments

Humpback surgery in Iran helps to correct the curvature of the spine, improving the appearance of your back and relieving back pain. In cases where kyphosis surgery is required, you can benefit from surgery both aesthetically and in terms of eliminating complaints about your health.

Kyphosis surgery in Iran is usually performed with a surgical technique called spinal fusion, in which the vertebrae causing the curvature of the spine are joined together. Spinal fusion is the most common surgical procedure used to reduce the degree of curvature in the spine.

Kyphosis surgery in Iran with spinal fusion is similar to a welding procedure. The vertebrae causing the hump are fused together into a single solid bone. This reduces the degree of curvature.

During humpback surgery, the surgeon accesses the spine through an incision in the middle of the back. Metal screws and rods are used to help align the vertebrae. Once the vertebrae are aligned, small pieces of bone called bone grafts are inserted into the spaces between the vertebrae. Thus, similar to the healing of a broken bone, the bone fragments placed between the vertebrae grow over time so that the vertebrae fuse together.

The aim during kyphosis surgery is to correct the hump within safe limits. The surgery takes 4-8 hours. After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days or more depending on your general health condition. You may be asked to wear a back support brace for up to 9 months to support your spine during the postoperative recovery period. You can gradually start school or light work within 4-6 weeks after kyphosis surgery. Generally, you can return to non-impact sports activities 1 year after surgery.

It should be kept in mind that kyphosis surgery carries some risks like any other surgical procedure. Apart from general surgical risks such as infection and bleeding, there are risks such as paralysis due to damage to the spinal cord and nerves passing through the spine. It is therefore important to research your options when deciding on spine surgery. You can contact us for information about kyphosis surgery, and consult Dr Mohammadreza Shakeri in the field of spine surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyphosis Surgery in Iran

1. How long does it take to treat kyphosis?

Different types of kyphosis require different treatments. Depending on the cause of the hump, the severity of the spinal curvature, and age, treatment options and treatment times will vary. For example, children with mild to moderate kyphosis are asked to wear a kyphosis brace until bone growth is complete. In severe cases requiring kyphosis surgery, postoperative recovery may take 4-6 weeks or more.

Depending on the cause, kyphosis (hunchback) can be treated with non-surgical methods in many cases when diagnosed early. However, if the curvature of the spine progresses, it can lead to serious problems. In this case, you should consider the option of kyphosis surgery to lead a healthier and more active life.

If you have any symptoms of kyphosis or any doubts about your spine health, you can contact us for early diagnosis and treatment of the problem and make an appointment with our physicians who specialize in spine health.

2. Why kyphosis surgery in Iran?

Iran offers high-quality medical care with advanced technologies and internationally trained healthcare professionals. Iran hospitals and clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatment and personalized care. Experienced surgeons in Iran specialize in kyphosis surgery, performing procedures with precision and expertise. Shafa Yahyaiean Hospital in Tehran provides care for 15,000 patients a year and performs over 12,000 surgeries each year. The hospital has well-equipped 12 operating rooms, 170-bed capacity, and over 450 staff helping provide care for patients suffering from orthopedic disorders.

3. How much will kyphosis surgery cost in Iran?

When it comes to discussing the cost of kyphosis treatment, every case is different. Several highly variable factors such as age, condition type, severity, and curvature location will help determine the final cost of treatment. Normally the costs start from 6000-8000 USD based on patient condition. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

You may also want to know about:

• Limb Lengthening Surgery in Iran

• Scoliosis Surgery in Iran