Surgery
In some scoliosis patients, a curve can become more severe over time. “The number one reason to consider surgery is to stop progression of the curve. If a patient also has pain and concerns about how it appears, that’s further indication to consider the surgery,” Dr. McConnell says.
Surgery may be necessary if a curve measures 45 degrees or more. If bracing has not slowed the progression, or a child is done growing, but the curve continues to worsen, spinal fusion may be recommended.
“The gold standard surgical treatment for scoliosis is a posterior fusion,” Dr. Henderson says. During this procedure, an incision is made on the back to access the spine. The surgeon fuses (joins) bony parts of the spine (vertebrae) together and uses rods with hooks and screws to straighten the spine. An anterior fusion is another surgical technique used, during which a surgeon makes an incision through the patient’s side (rib cage).
“Both types of surgery accomplish the same thing – a fusion that straightens the spine and improves appearance,” Dr. McConnell says.