Sci-tech watch, 10: Scoliosis -- crooked spine -- correction using pedicle screws

Usain Bolt is Jamaica's most famous sufferer with scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. (One wonders what he would be doing without that impediment!)

Let us take a look at scoliosis and how it is corrected using pedicle screw surgery, by means of an infographic:

Needless to elaborate, the surgical correction of scoliosis is difficult, and one should note just how screamingly close the screws run to the spinal cord. The apparatus inserted is also quite close to the nerves that run in and out of the spine. This is one for that old prayer, Lord, guide the hands of the surgeons.

More details: Wikipedia, Brown University.

With thanks for concerns and prayers. END