thoracoplasty doctor

[jackieg412]

What doctor or doctors do a thoracoplasty? The university specialist seems to think that needs to be done. This is not cosmetic as I have a rib or ribs that will not allow my shoulder blade to work properly. It is locked down.

[LindaRacine]

What doctor or doctors do a thoracoplasty? The university specialist seems to think that needs to be done. This is not cosmetic as I have a rib or ribs that will not allow my shoulder blade to work properly. It is locked down.

Hi...

Thoracoplasties are very rare these days. I can only recall one thoracoplasty from our group in the last five years. I'm guessing that the vast majority of younger spine surgeons have never done one. A lot of surgeons who have been around forever may have never done one. Your best bet is probably choosing one of the more experienced surgeons in a university setting. However, I would strongly advice you not to go surgeon shopping based on a specific technique. I wouldn't even mention the word thoracoplasty to a new surgeon. If you find a good surgeon that you can trust, you need to trust that they're going to perform the procedures that they feel will give you the best shot at a good outcome. Is there a reason that you're not choosing the specialist to whom you referred?

--Linda

[jackieg412]

No Linda . The doctor thAt I saw in the University hospital said this about the rib. He has not done this operation in a long time. He referred me back to the doctors that did fusion. (They sent me to the University) both of my doctors do not do this. I am waiting for the doctor at the University to give me the name of the doctor there. At least I can go talk to him. My scoliosis specialist said the procedure was too dangerous and doesn't do it. He is an older doctor. Is there anything else that can get a rib out of the way?

[titaniumed]

It seems that many posters on the British forum report thoracoplasty......mostly for rib hump removal, and in younger patients. They call it costoplasty in England.

Here is Tonibunny’s 2nd to last post on SSO....12/24/14

“When I did get pain it was below my fusion, because I had a long fusion (T1-L3) and still have fairly moderate curves post-op (45 and 35 degrees) and the discs underneath were taking a battering. I've never really had pain in my thoracic region, despite having some serious work done there (including two costoplasties, an open thoracotomy etc). I also get muscle spasms in my neck due to my spine being out of whack, but they are not usually anything that bothers me.”

Ed

[titaniumed]

There is going to be someone out there that will do it......might have to be in NYC.. Dr Lenke possibly? Jackie, I would say that you qualify for his expertise. He just doesn’t operate on anyone and only operates on heavy duty cases....

It might not be a bad idea to call or send an e-mail to Dr Lenke....Tell them your in trouble, your shoulder is dropping etc...

Ed

[jackieg412]

I did talk to the doctor at the university again. He has someone at the university named doctor Lee. He (or most likely his staff) is to be calling me. I found this out yesterday. He does have the scan but I have not seen him.I know this is a big procedure and needs the right person. The other option I have been given is wire the shoulder blade to the rib cage, but it will be disabling and it does seem extreme.
I have an appointment with the scoliosis specialist that was in on my surgeries for this coming Thursday. I have been followed by a member of his group all along but haven't seen him in 4 years. He may have another idea but he is the one that said this surgery is too dangerous.
He actually gave a lecture with Lenke a few years back. Just keep sending me any of your ideas. It helps. Thanks

[mariaf]

You might check with Dr. Darryl Antonacci, also in NYC (at the Institute for Spine and Scoliosis). I believe he may have some experience with this type of surgery.

[bluestone]

I had a thoracoplasty at the end of 2010 and I can't stress how happy I am with the results. My surgeon didn't ask if I wanted it done he just said he would do it because he didn't see why I should come out of such huge surgery and still have my rib hump-I was 45 and can't remember feeling as confident as I do now about my back. I was told to always check that the surgeon doing it has performed many costoplastys before because it is a skilled procedure.

[jackieg412]

We are still working on the right solution to this problem. I did meet with my scoliosis specialist and with another scoliosis specialist from the university. My doctor was very against doing anything. He was almost angry because I asked. A member of his group sent me to the doctor at the University so I was surprised he was angry about it. I meet with the specialist from the university again at the beginning of June. I am to see both of them that day. I did send a message to their office asking if any other tests need to be done before I come. Since they said they have been discussing this problem behind my back , I hope to know more at the next appointment. Nice to know you are being discussed among many at the University level because someone may have the answer.

[jackieg412]

Thank you for the information. Did you find the surgery difficult?

[jackieg412]

Well I now have the answer to the trapped scapula. It is called snapping scapula and scapular dyskinesis. My right scapula is trapped on ribs. Instead of doing a thoracoplasty the doctor is going to take out a part of the scapula and attach a muscle and tighten some other muscles. This will free it and allow more normal movement. Hopefully the shoulder will go back in place. It will be held 6 weeks in a sling with minimal movement and the PT to recover hopefully the muscles and the dropping in the shoulder. It took a long time for me to get to the right doctor to help. It was the team of doctors at the University that listened to the problem and came up with this plan. It is not as risky as the thoracoplasty and will help the problem. Thank goodness someone helped. I have tried for 4 plus years to help this problem I do not have the surgery date as of yet. I hope for sometime this summer as it will be easier in the nice weather.