Latest news with #AiBLE™SpineSurgicalSuite
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Understanding scoliosis: From detection to treatment
KUALA LUMPUR - A healthy spine should appear straight, and when it begins to curve sideways like the letter "S' or "C', it could be a sign of scoliosis, a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious. According to spine surgeon Dr Saw Lim Beng from Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, scoliosis is a condition involving an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often accompanied by rotation. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant spine surgeon Dr Saw Lim Beng during a recent interview on 'Understanding Scoliosis In Adult And Children: A Guide From Detection To Treatment'. - Bernama photo "Unlike a normal, straight spine, scoliosis causes uneven shoulders, a tilted body and a bulging rib cage or hump at the loin, usually on one side, leading to physical imbalance,' he told Bernama recently. Dr Saw emphasised the importance of recognising early signs of scoliosis, like uneven shoulders or asymmetrical pelvic level, especially when a child walks, and noted that a 2017 publication found scoliosis affects two or three per cent of Malaysia's population, with less than 0.1 per cent being severe cases. "Most cases are relatively mild, with curvatures ranging between 10 and 20 degrees, especially in growing children,' he added. Dr Saw explains that scoliosis in children is most commonly idiopathic, making up about 95 per cent of cases with no known cause. Other types include congenital scoliosis (present at birth), neuromuscular scoliosis (linked to conditions such as cerebral palsy), and degenerative scoliosis (common in older adults due to spinal degeneration). He said that the best time for children to undergo spine screening is during adolescence, typically between the ages of 10 and 15, as this is when scoliosis is most likely to develop. He also noted that scoliosis can often be detected through a clinical examination, such as the Adam's Forward Bending Test, where doctors observe the asymmetrical rib cage as the child bends forward. Dr Saw explains that treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the curve and the patients' ages. "For curves less than 20 degrees, observation is usually sufficient for both growing children and adults. When the curve ranges between 20 and 40 degrees, growing children are typically prescribed a brace and monitored closely, while adults may be observed at two- to three-year intervals. "For curvatures exceeding 45 degrees, surgery may be recommended for both children and adults,' he said. Although scoliosis surgery has proven effective, Dr Saw cautioned that it carries potential risks such as nerve injury, which could lead to paralysis. Other complications include infections and spinal imbalance after surgery. Dr Saw highlighted that new technologies are making spinal surgery safer and more precise, such as the AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite - the first of its kind in Southeast Asia - a system that combines an advanced imaging system, navigation guidance, robotic arm and artificial intelligence. "With advancements in technology, the latest spine surgical systems, such as the AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite, are transforming how we perform spinal surgeries, allowing for greater precision, enhanced surgeons' intraoperative control, and a more efficient process for both surgeons and patients,' he added. For severe cases requiring surgery, he said recent advancements in surgical techniques have significantly improved outcomes, safety and recovery. "Robotic-assisted procedures, real-time navigation systems, and patient-specific rods have helped reduce risks and enhance precision. Surgery that once took up to eight hours can now be completed in just two to four hours, with most patients discharged by day one or two,' he added. Dr Saw also stressed the importance of maintaining good spinal alignment to prevent long-term damage to the spine and joints, noting that poor posture and weak core muscles could increase the risk of spinal issues, especially during daily activities such as lifting or bending. He advised individuals, including parents and working adults, who suspect symptoms of spinal problems to consult a general practitioner for early diagnosis. In conjunction with Scoliosis Awareness Month in June, Dr Saw encouraged individuals with scoliosis or those who have undergone spinal surgery to attend awareness programmes to better understand the condition, its aftercare and available treatment options. - BERNAMA
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Sunway Medical Centre First In Southeast Asia To Launch AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite
(from left) President of Sunway Healthcare Group Datuk Lau Beng Long was conducting a demonstration of using AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite while assisted by Dr. Saw Lim Beng, Consultant Spine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City. Credit: SMC Sunway City Consultant Spine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City Dr. Saw Lim Beng delivered his speech during the launching of AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite. Credit: SMC Sunway City President of Sunway Healthcare Group, Datuk Lau Beng Long delivered his speech during the launching of AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite. Credit: SMC Sunway City KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) has made history as the first medical facility in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to introduce the AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite, a cutting-edge, robotic-guided technology designed to enhance precision, safety as well as efficiency in spinal surgery. In a statement today, SMC said the introduction of the AiBLE™ system addresses the growing prevalence of back pain and spinal disorders, which are among the most common health issues globally and in Malaysia. Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), SMC said low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, with the number projected to rise to 843 million by 2050. According to the hospital, LBP is the leading cause of disability globally, particularly among individuals aged between 50 and 55, and affects a significant number of Malaysians. 'Given the complexity of spinal surgery due to the spine's three-dimensional anatomy and its proximity to critical neurovascular structures, the AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite integrates the Spine Robotic Guidance System, StealthStation™ S8 Surgical Navigation System and O-arm™ Imaging System,' the statement read. SMC said the integration of these technologies offers several patient benefits, including enhanced accuracy through real-time imaging and advanced guidance technology to ensure precise implant placement. It said the system enables quicker recovery through minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions, reducing tissue damage and postoperative pain, while lowering intraoperative and postoperative complications. 'The AiBLE™ system is part of SMC's commitment to bringing international levels of care to Malaysians. With the latest spine solution integration at SMC, surgeons can now plan the entire procedure in advance using a detailed 3D model of the patient's spine, even before stepping into the operating room,' it said. The statement explained that during surgery, the tools guide the surgeon in real-time, making the operation more precise, efficient and confident, which ultimately benefits patients with improved outcomes.
