Dr. Ferrández Performs Spain’s First ApiFix Procedure
A 16-year-old female patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) underwent surgical correction on September 4th under the care of Dr. Ferrández. He was assisted by Dr. Nick Sekouris, an orthopedic surgeon from the Orthopedic Medical Center in Athens, Greece, and a founding member of the ApiFix implantation group. The patient was discharged within 48 hours post-operatively, reporting minimal discomfort.
Pre-operatively, the patient presented with a 52-degree lumbar curve and a prominent thoracic hump. Immediately following the procedure, the hump was significantly flattened, and the lumbar curve improved to 27 degrees. Minimal intraoperative and postoperative bleeding or muscle damage was observed.
The ApiFix system offers a minimally invasive surgical option for adolescents with flexible scoliotic curves, minimizing risks, discomfort, and post-operative mobility restrictions. The system is designed to maintain the degree of correction achieved intraoperatively. Patients begin specialized exercises three weeks post-operatively, facilitating gradual lengthening of the device and building upon the initial correction.
Dr. Sekouris, drawing on his extensive experience with the ApiFix system, highlighted the long-term efficacy of the procedure. He noted that the achieved correction is typically maintained even after implant removal, provided the implant remains in situ for an adequate duration (e.g., a minimum of six months). He stated, «The ApiFix system should be considered for all appropriate candidates, as the benefits clearly outweigh any potential drawbacks, including cost considerations.»
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