Neurosurgery Department of Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC), Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) continued to commemorate its Scoliosis Week 2024 on 26th January 2024 with a Patient Appreciation Day held at the Lecture Theatre, RF Floor of the PJSC building in Jerudong that was attended by local patients, caregivers as well as school health nurses.
Scoliosis is a common condition in which the spine curves in a “C” or “S” shape. It is often first diagnosed in children and adolescent, however treatment and follow-up may be a lifelong commitment. About 47 new cases per 100,000 of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is identified annually and patient with Cobb angles more than 45 degrees usually undergo surgery. Since March 2019, a total of 85 idiopathic scoliosis cases have successfully been performed in PJSC with optimal correction of scoliosis and no permanent complications. All of them have been able to do their full activities including sports 6 to 12 months after surgery.
The event started with insights by Dr. Ady Thien, the Co-Chairperson of Scoliosis Week 2024 on Scoliosis and the importance of advocacy for patients. In a move to celebrate the resilience of the patients, PJSC invited two Scoliosis survivors/champions, Dayang Syazwani Syafiqah Bte Md Irwan and Dayang Siti Nurwaztul Hayat Binti Hj Abas to share their personal stories, as a source of inspiration and support to those who are affected by scoliosis in the community and those who planned to get their procedure.
The path to inspire patient empowerment was further highlighted by Sister Hajah Noor Artini Haji Abdul Rahman, the In-Charge Nursing Officer of the School Health, who led the discussion on ‘Scoliosis in the Community’, expanding on the impacts of scoliosis amongst the youth.
In line with PJSC’s continued efforts to increase scoliosis awareness, Hospital Administrator, Ms. Vivian Tie Suk Kee, showcased the benefits of Schroth Physiotherapy, a specialised non-invasive therapy that is designed to use specific exercises tailored towards the unique spinal curve pattern of the patients.
Patients with scoliosis might have had to undergo physical and mental stress and in severe cases can experience reduced range of motion, back pain or other issues. Therefore, support for patients who has undergone treatment for scoliosis if very much important to ensure they continue to grow past their challenges and become successful individuals. Our appreciation event today goes to all the patients who have had to endure scoliosis and support them onwards with a message that we are “Bent Not Broken”.
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