Rib Hump

A rib hump is one of the results of scoliosis.  Since the victim's spine is curved and twisted, it results in pushing the rib cage and making it protrude on one side of the victim's back.  I do have a rib hump.  It is not noticeable, but I know that it's there.  I also have to be more conscious about what clothes I decide to wear.  Stripes and really tight clothes without an under shirt make my rib hump a lot more noticeable.  The largest cosmetic perk of the spinal fusion was the elimination of this rib hump which I have HATED my whole life.  It makes me very self consious and upset that I can't wear a lot of clothes that I would really like to wear.  It's also very uncomfortable to not be able to lean up against a chair b/c ur rib hump hits the flat surface first.

That being said, I spent the last week doing a lot of research on rib humps and whether or not it will go away after the surgery.  It looks very promising that my rib hump will dissapear, despite my surgeon saying that it will only improve around 50%.  It seems as if surgeons only say that b/c it is not guaranteed to dissapear.  If there was no rib hump, there is a good chance that I would not choose to have this surgery now.  It really has been the largest motivator in my descion. 

One thing in particular that I learned is that many times patients decide to have parts of their ribs removed in an attempt to make this rib hump completely go away.  The results to this addition to the surgery is EXTREME pain.  Every person that I spoke to that has had this addition to the surgery has said it hurt a million times worse where the ribs were removed than where the fusion took place.  Another food for thought is the negative effect rib removal has on the lungs.

Just a couple of things to think about... Let me know what you guys think :)