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Scoliosis

 

            During a sixth grade sports physical exam, I received the news that I had scoliosis. Although it was mild scoliosis, I did not take the news very well. It was appalling for me initially; however, if it weren't for the dire discovery, I might have never considered a career as an orthopedic surgeon. Ever since my diagnosis I have wanted to find a cure for scoliosis; this led me to do extensive research on the most current surgical techniques available. My goal is to create an alternative procedure to spinal fusion surgery, one where the vertebrae are not fused, thus allowing mobility within the spine. During spinal fusion, the disks between the spine are removed and replaced with bone grafts; then a rod and other hardware are inserted to hold the bone in place while it fuses. The patient has very limited movement following the surgery, not being able to bend or twist where the spine is fused; I would like to develop a surgery that would allow patients to maintain their flexibility while having a straight spine. My strategy for this surgery is to remove the disks, straighten the spine and correct any rib humps or muscle asymmetries, and then either put the natural disks back into place or insert artificial disks. After the surgery, the patient would be put into a brace until the back was healed. .
             As an orthopedic surgeon I believe I will have the opportunity to do intense research on the causes of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, beginning by isolating the correct gene. I hope to become a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, as well as an international spokesperson to raise awareness about scoliosis in third-world countries, encourage early elementary school screenings for children, and organize charities and fundraisers to research the cause of scoliosis.
            


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