Scoliosis Spine Surgery

About Scoliosis Surgery

Spinal Fusion Surgery for Scoliosis entails implanting implants such as screws, pins, wires, or sticks into the curved bones of the spine and straitening it. This is followed by placing bone grafts within the backbone. These grafts are usually removed from the pelvic bone of the individual and eventually fuse and grow together adjusting the curvature of the backbone.

Success Rate

The achievement rate of Scoliosis operation is 85–90%.

Hospital Stay

• In hospital: 6 weeks
• Post-discharge recovery: 21 days

Required Tests

• Blood Tests
• X-Ray
• MRI

Typical Conditions for Surgery

• Spinal curve is nearly 45° at skeletal maturity
• Curve is 40° despite bracing in adolescents
• Severe back pain or breathing difficulty
• Spinal curvature disrupts daily activities

Diagnosis of Scoliosis Surgery

• X-Ray and Blood Tests
• Anaesthesiologist evaluation for general anaesthesia

Techniques Used for Surgery

Techniques vary based on:

• Patient’s age
• Spinal location
• Spinal maturity
• Severity of curvature
• Surgeon’s assessment
• Patient/guardian preference

Types of approach:

• Posterior process: surgery from the back
• Anterior procedure: surgery from the front

Procedure

During Surgery

• Screws and hooks are attached to the spine
• Rods align the spine
• Bone grafts (autograft or allograft) applied
• Fusion occurs over 3–6 months
• Rods usually left in place
• Rods might require removal if they cause irritation

After Surgery

• Recovery over several months
• Hospital stay: 3–7 days
• Epidural catheter used to manage pain
• Limited mobility and urinary catheter initially
• Physiotherapy begins early
• X-rays before discharge to confirm alignment

Post-care at Home

• Gradual return to activity over 12 months
• Simple daily activities after 6 months
• Swimming at 2 months
• Bicycling at 8–10 months
• Sports, running, jumping at 10–12 months
• Routine X-rays to monitor recovery

Risk Factors of Scoliosis Surgery

• Paraplegia: use of SSEP and MEP to monitor spinal cord
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
• Instrumentation failure
• Spinal fusion failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the chances of rod breaking?
A: Rods are typically made from stainless steel or ceramic but can break if the spine hasn’t fused properly. Revision surgery may be required.

Q: Can scoliosis surgery reduce arthritis risk?
A: Surgery can reduce the risk of arthritis in severe curvatures due to lessened abnormal pressure on spinal joints.

Q: Which is better — own bone graft or allograft?
A: Own bone grafts are standard but can cause donor site pain. Allografts are sterilized and often mixed with BMP to stimulate fusion.

Q: What is long fusion and its side effects?
A: Fusion of the entire spine. May lead to early arthritis in the lower back due to increased stress on unfused segments.

Q: Does scoliosis surgery affect height?
A: May make patient appear taller. However, surgery after skeletal maturity has minimal height impact.

Q: Can women conceive after scoliosis surgery?
A: Yes, unless other limiting factors exist. Natural birth is usually not affected.