Spinal Scoliosis Surgery

About This Treatment

Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways into a C or S shape. Some people are born with scoliosis while others develop it over time.

In adults, scoliosis results from the breakdown of the spinal discs due to arthritis, osteoporosis or a hereditary condition. In younger people, scoliosis is most obvious during growth spurts in late childhood and the early teen years. Girls are more likely than boys to have scoliosis.

Scoliosis surgery

Our surgeons may recommend spinal fusion surgery for children or adults with severe curvature of more than 45 degrees. Full recovery from scoliosis surgery may take six months or more, depending on the extent of the curvature. Typically this is an inpatient surgery, requiring an overnight hospital stay.

Franciscan Health offers rehabilitation and physical therapy after scoliosis surgery. Most patients are back to regular school or work activities, not including contact sports, in two to six months. It can take up to a year for the spine to fully heal and form a solid fusion after scoliosis surgery.

Nonsurgical scoliosis treatment

The spine specialists at Franciscan Health take a variety of factors into consideration before recommending a scoliosis treatment. Treatment depends on the:

• Patient's age
• Likelihood of further growth
• Degree of spinal curvature
• Underlying cause of the curve (temporary or permanent)

People with mild scoliosis might need only routine checkups to make sure the curvature is not progressing.

Some people may need to wear a brace. Bracing is most effective if the skeleton is still growing and the curve measures more than 25 to 30 degrees as shown in X-rays. The type of brace and length of time it must be worn depends on the patient's condition.

Types of scoliosis

There are two types of scoliosis:

• Nonstructural scoliosis: Also called functional scoliosis, this disorder develops from conditions like different leg lengths or an inflammatory disorder. It usually resolves with treatment of the underlying issue.
• Structural scoliosis: Structural scoliosis is caused by malformed vertebrae or spinal infections, tumors or injuries. It can also be the result of neuromuscular or connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. If the cause of structural scoliosis is unknown, it is called idiopathic scoliosis.