Spinal Deformity Surgery

Overview

Taipei Veterans General Hospital (VGHTPE) is a leading center for spinal deformity surgery in Taiwan and is recognized as a pioneer in the field, having performed the country’s earliest corrective surgeries for spinal deformities. Our neurosurgical team has extensive experience in managing spinal deformity. VGHTPE is widely regarded as a national benchmark for excellence in spinal deformity correction, providing comprehensive care for patients from childhood through adulthood.

Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvature or misalignment of the spine, including common conditions such as scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward rounding), lordosis (excessive inward curve), and complex or combined spinal deformities. While many cases are idiopathic, meaning no clear cause can be found, others are associated with congenital vertebral anomalies, neuromuscular disorders, or age-related degeneration. If left untreated, severe spinal deformity can lead to chronic pain, functional limitations, progressive deformity, and even cardiopulmonary compromise.

Features

VGHTPE’s neurosurgical department stands at the forefront of spinal deformity treatment with several distinctive features:

• Comprehensive Expertise: Our team has successfully treated hundreds of complex and challenging spinal deformity cases, including adolescent, adult degenerative, and revision surgeries.
• Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques: We utilize state-of-the-art minimally invasive and microscopic surgical methods, including AI-assisted navigation systems and robotic guidance, which enhance surgical precision and safety.
• Rapid Recovery: Many patients are able to begin mobilization as early as the second day after surgery. Hospital stays are typically shorter, with reduced pain and blood loss compared to traditional open surgery.
• Innovation in Robotic-Assisted Surgery: VGHTPE is preparing to introduce the latest robotic-assisted spine surgery system. This technology can achieve up to 99% accuracy in pedicle screw placement, improving surgical safety, and minimizing complications such as nerve injury and implant malposition . With intelligent planning software and real-time navigation, the robotic system streamlines surgical steps, shortens operation time, and minimizes X-ray exposure, benefiting both traditional and minimally invasive spinal deformity surgeries.
• International Recognition: Our clinical outcomes and research are published in leading international journals, and our hospital serves as an educational hub for surgeons worldwide seeking training in the latest spinal deformity correction techniques.

Procedure

At Taipei Veterans General Hospital, our approach to spinal deformity surgery is highly individualized. The choice between traditional open surgery and minimally invasive techniques depends on each patient’s underlying condition, the degree and complexity of the spinal deformity, previous surgeries, overall health, and economic considerations. During your initial evaluation, our specialists will discuss which surgical method is most suitable for your specific situation.

• Traditional Open Surgery:

Traditional open spinal deformity correction remains the standard for treating severe, complex, or multi-level spinal deformities. This approach involves a longer incision to provide direct access to the affected spinal segment, allowing for comprehensive correction, implant removal or replacement, bone fusion, and nerve decompression if required. Traditional surgery is especially beneficial for advanced degenerative spinal deformity, severe rotational deformities, or cases failed previous surgeries. Traditional open procedures at VGHTPE may be further enhanced with the addition of robotic-assisted technology to maximize accuracy and patient safety.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery:

For selected patients, minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times. Utilizing advanced tools such as tubular retractors, endoscopic or microscopic visualization, AI-assisted navigation, and robotic guidance, our surgeons can achieve effective spinal correction with less trauma to surrounding tissues. With the anticipated introduction of the robotic-assisted system, minimally invasive surgeries will achieve even greater precision and efficiency. Many patients are able to start walking as soon as the second day after surgery and typically experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain.

Both methods share the same surgical goals: to stop progression of the spinal curve, achieve optimal correction and alignment, restore spinal balance, and minimize the risk of long-term complications. Spinal deformity correction surgery can benefit patients with scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and other complex spinal alignment problems. The final surgical plan will be determined after thorough consultation and shared decision-making between you and our clinical team, taking into account your personal needs and preferences.

Notification

As with any major spine surgery, spinal deformity correction carries potential risks and complications. Our team takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure patient safety. Possible complications may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve injury (such as numbness or weakness)
• Dural tear (leakage of spinal fluid)
• Implant-related issues (loosening or breakage)
• Nonunion or delayed bone healing
• Blood clots
• Pulmonary or cardiac complications (in rare cases)

Our multidisciplinary approach includes thorough preoperative assessment, state-of-the-art intraoperative monitoring, and attentive postoperative care to maximize safety and optimize outcomes.

Estimated Cost

Each spinal deformity patient presents with a unique spinal structure and may require different surgical techniques, implants, and consumables (such as sterile drapes, automatic burrs, hemostatic agents, and various implants). As a result, it is difficult to estimate the total cost without a detailed review of your individual case.

For estimated medical costs and a personalized treatment plan, please contact our International Medical Services Center. Our dedicated team will assist you with detailed cost breakdowns and answer any questions regarding insurance, payment, and the logistics of seeking care at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.