Taichung hospital adopts minimally invasive surgery for curved spine
台中醫院採用微創手術治療脊椎側彎
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Municipal Geriatric Rehabilitation General Hospital used minimally invasive surgery to treat a 55-year-old woman surnamed Huang (黃) for scoliosis, helping her regain her full height following the procedure, CNA reported.
Scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves unusually, often affects the thoracic or lumbar regions. People with the condition may experience uneven shoulders, a tilted pelvis, shortness of breath, and back pain. The condition is mainly caused by irregular bone development or degeneration of the spine. Typical treatments include wearing braces to prevent the curve from worsening or surgery for severe cases. At a press conference, the hospital said Huang had lived with the condition for about 25 years without seeking medical treatment. Over the past two years, she experienced severe spinal pain, numbness, and swelling in her lower limbs. Chang Chien-chun (張建鈞), an orthopedic specialist at the hospital, said Huang had moderate degenerative scoliosis and heart disease, making traditional surgery highly risky. After reviewing medical images, the team chose a minimally invasive approach, correcting her spine through a small incision from the side without affecting her back muscles. During the procedure, the team used 3D imaging combined with a navigation system to help surgeons pinpoint the curved areas of the spine and accurately place screws. The minimally invasive technique allows discharge within five days of surgery. The hospital has opened the Minimally Invasive Spine and Joint Center, where doctors also perform joint replacement surgeries using endoscopic tools and the ROSA Knee system, a robotic-assisted platform with 3D imaging navigation that helps guide knee replacements. |
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| Carol Yang Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-01-26 |
