How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast Scoliosis - Mehta Spine - Children and Adult Spinal Surgeon, UK

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How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast
Scoliosis
Invasive treatments and surgeries are not
recommended for infants or very young children.
Corrective treatment for early-onset scoliosis,
therefore, is practiced using a technique called
Mehta casting. It is a process of making and
applying a series of casts on the childs back.
The application of slow and gentle pressure seeks
to correct the spinal curve. The procedure
happens on a table designed for that specific
purpose and allows the doctors to correct the
deformity. The cast is changed after every 8
weeks and subsequent attempts seek to correct the
curvature of the spine.
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How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast
Scoliosis
The Procedure The Mehta cast consists largely of
fiberglass. The child is given general anesthesia
in the operating room and made to sleep so that
the process can happen smoothly with minimal
disturbance to the infant as well as minimal
interference in the process. The procedure takes
around one hour. The child is made to wear a
soft cloth under the cast to protect their skin.
After the cast is put, an X-ray is conducted to
check the spine. The cast feels tight and wet
initially. However, as it dries the feeling of
tightness goes away. This takes around 2-3 days.
After 18 months, the constant application of the
cast corrects the curvature. Later, a brace is
put after the cast, so that the correction stays
supported and maintained.
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How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast
Scoliosis

• How to Take Care of the Cast?
• Keeping the cast dry Mehta casts are not
  impervious to moisture. It is crucial to keep the
  cast dry as moisture causes skin problems. The
  child should be bathed after 2 or 3 days. You can
  keep your child clean by application of a wet
  sponge or a cloth. The cast should be protected
  by covering it with plastic. This should be done
  while sponging, eating, bathing, or while using
  the washroom. If the cast gets dirty, clean it
  with a wet cloth and a mild detergent and dry it
  using a hairdryer on mild.

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How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast
Scoliosis

• Keeping the skin intact Make sure not to put
  anything under the cast. This is because the skin
  underneath is delicate and can get infected
  easily. In case of itching or irritation, blow
  cool air to soothe it. If the irritation persists
  and becomes unbearable then approach your doctor
  for the correct medicine.
• Check the cast and how your child is responding
  to it Sometimes the cast can be too tight and
  slow down circulation or cause breathing
  difficulties. It can also put under pressure on
  the nerves. To ensure that this is not happening,
  check your childs body for any change in colour,
  movement and be attuned to their feelings and
  sensations.

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How to take care of a child in Mehta Cast
Scoliosis
Conclusion Based in Birmingham, Dr. Jwalant S
Mehta is a spinal surgeon and a medical
consultant who specializes in spinal deformity
corrections. He has a wealth of experience in
treating children as well as adults and is a part
of various medical boards and committees. He is
not only a practicing, experienced doctor and the
foremost of many orthopaedic spine specialists
but a researcher who has actively contributed
towards generating knowledge related to the
spinal system. If you or your loved ones are
facing any issues related to your spine, Dr.
Mehta is the best spine doctor to approach as he
provides advanced orthopaedic and spine care.
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Contact us

• Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
• BMI The Priory Hospital
• Spire Parkway Hospital
• Bromsgrove Private Clinic

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Contact and Connect

• Clinical secretary Samantha Leavy 44 785 021
  1939
• Medico-legal secretary Jan Clarke 44 121
  4508928
• Spire Parkway Hospital 0121 704 5500
• BMI NEC (National Enquiry Centre) 0808 101 0337
• BMI Priory 0121 446 1638
• Email info_at_mehtaspine.co.uk
• The appointments are booked through the clinic