Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis surgery is recommended for patients who are still growing, have a curve that is more than 45 degrees, and have a curve that is getting worse. The goal of this type of surgery is to balance the spine and keep it from continuing to curve. The main scoliosis surgery will correct, stabilize, and fuse the curve.

 

An Overview of Scoliosis Surgery

Severe scoliosis can lead to:
 
  • Problems with the heart and lungs
  • Pain
  • Low self-image
  • Premature death.
 
To help keep these problems from occurring, doctors may recommend scoliosis surgery for certain patients.
 
Doctors advise patients to have scoliosis surgery to correct a curve or stop it from worsening when the patient:
 
  • Is still growing
  • Has a curve that is more than 45 degrees
  • Has a curve that is getting worse.
 
One third of the 30,000 to 70,000 spinal surgery procedures done each year are done for scoliosis.
 

Goals of Scoliosis Surgery

The goal of scoliosis surgery is to balance the spine and stop the spine from continuing to curve. The goal of spinal surgery is not to completely straighten the spine, which may cause damage to the spinal cord. Each patient should discuss his or her options with at least two experienced surgeons.
 

Scoliosis Surgery: Correction, Stabilization, and Fusion

The main scoliosis surgery is correction, stabilization, and fusion of the curve. Many different surgical techniques can be used to correct, stabilize, and fuse the curves of scoliosis. For example, one approach for scoliosis surgery is done through the back (posterior approach). In other cases, scoliosis surgery can be done through the front (anterior approach). The specific method the doctor recommends is based on a number of factors, including the location and severity of the curve.
 
Surgeons can also choose different ways to straighten the spine (correction) and also different implants to keep the spine stable after surgery (stabilization). Implants are devices that remain in the patient after surgery to keep the spine aligned. Types of implants used for scoliosis surgery can include rods, screws, hooks, and wires.
 
The decision about the type of implant will depend on:
 
  • The cost
  • The size of the implant, which depends on the size of the patient
  • The shape of the implant
  • The safety of the implant
  • The experience of the surgeon.
 
After the curve has been straightened, the surgeon will fuse the different vertebrae that were causing the curve. Fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae so that motion no longer occurs between them. This is done by taking pieces of bone from the pelvis, ribs, or the spine itself. Over several months, the healed fusions harden in a straightened position, leaving the rest of the spine flexible. This will prevent further curving of the spine.
 
(Scoliosis Surgery Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD