“Can spinal surgery correct scoliosis?”
I have scoliosis and want to treat it. Can spinal surgery correct scoliosis?
4 Answers
Scoliosis is an issue that has many different degrees. There are often spine specialists that will outline the treatment options depending on the severity of the curve. Surgery is offered for larger curves to correct it.
Yes but surgery not usually recommended unless the curve exceeds 40 degrees.
Hello. Thanks for sharing your question and sorry to hear about your scoliosis. I also appreciate your giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts, tips and suggestions with you.
Scoliosis does not usually progress significantly when a person’s bones stop growing (around puberty or within 2-3 years of puberty). During the rapid growth period of puberty, some scoliosis curves become worse (on X-ray, and clinically too, with some increasing the pain as well). Surgery for this condition should be explored in detail with a spine surgery specialist who specializes in this type of surgery. The surgery involves stabilizing the curved spine and correcting some of the cosmetic (and structural) deformity of a curved spine. It is not supposed to ‘completely’ straighten the curved spine, partially since the deformity occurs in three planes (front-back, side-side, and top-bottom) and a complete correction of all three planes is difficult and not usually attained. In addition, if a person is not yet growing when this surgery is performed, the curve may continue to form after the surgery. Therefore, if the scoliosis is painful, progressing quickly (despite bracing and physical therapy/stretching), diminishing your ability to breath easily and deeply, or diminishing your self-confidence, then surgery with a skilled spine surgeon may be beneficial. However, it is best to realize and understand your expectations before undergoing this procedure.
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
Scoliosis does not usually progress significantly when a person’s bones stop growing (around puberty or within 2-3 years of puberty). During the rapid growth period of puberty, some scoliosis curves become worse (on X-ray, and clinically too, with some increasing the pain as well). Surgery for this condition should be explored in detail with a spine surgery specialist who specializes in this type of surgery. The surgery involves stabilizing the curved spine and correcting some of the cosmetic (and structural) deformity of a curved spine. It is not supposed to ‘completely’ straighten the curved spine, partially since the deformity occurs in three planes (front-back, side-side, and top-bottom) and a complete correction of all three planes is difficult and not usually attained. In addition, if a person is not yet growing when this surgery is performed, the curve may continue to form after the surgery. Therefore, if the scoliosis is painful, progressing quickly (despite bracing and physical therapy/stretching), diminishing your ability to breath easily and deeply, or diminishing your self-confidence, then surgery with a skilled spine surgeon may be beneficial. However, it is best to realize and understand your expectations before undergoing this procedure.
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
I would only recommend scoliosis surgery if you are in late teens, and your curve exceeds 45 degrees.
