When should you get surgery for scoliosis?

Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (45 to 50 degrees and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse. The operation for scoliosis is a spinal fusion.

When is it too late for scoliosis surgery?

No! Thanks to modern technology and advanced medicine, it’s not too late to treat your scoliosis. If you experience back pain, numbness, stiffness, or even fatigue (from strained muscles), it’s important to get the care you need.

Can you fix scoliosis at 17?

Some teens with severe scoliosis need a type of surgery called a spinal fusion. During the operation, an orthopedic surgeon straightens the spine as much as possible and holds it in place with rods and screws. The surgeon then puts in bone graft to join (fuse) some of the vertebrae together.

What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery?

The success rate of stable fusion and correction of spinal deformity is very high in experienced hands. The average curve correction is approximately 70 percent and the likelihood of complications has been about 2 to 3 percent overall. The fusion of the bones (enabling the bones to grow together) is permanent.

Can I fix scoliosis at 18?

Just because a patient’s curves have continued to progress into adulthood doesn’t mean surgery is the only option. While early intervention works best, even adults with advanced scoliosis can halt the progression and achieve curve reduction using the right scoliosis exercises.

Is scoliosis surgery a major surgery?

Spinal fusion for scoliosis is a major surgery. However, the surgery itself is only one part of a long process.

Can scoliosis surgery paralyze you?

Neurologic complications from surgery can include loss of skin sensation, weakness or loss of strength in their feet or legs, loss of bowel and bladder control, or paralysis. Neurologic complications usually begin very soon after surgery. These complications can improve over time, but some may be permanent.

How many inches will I grow after scoliosis surgery?

Most scoliosis patients will gain 1 to 2 inches in height, but this will vary greatly based on your spine’s curve and your height.

Can you live a normal life after scoliosis surgery?

Patients with scoliosis who receive surgery generally experience better physical health. Though some patients still have complications, most are as healthy as the general population. Life after scoliosis surgery can be productive and pain-free. Advanced methods aim to prevent pain while straightening the spine.

Does scoliosis shorten your life?

Untreated severe scoliosis of 70° or more is associated with increased mortality as compared with the normal population [1]. Most patients with scoliosis of 60° or more present with major spinal deformity, restrictive lung disease, and, if left untreated, rapid progression of the deformity [2–4].

Is scoliosis surgery risky?

Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood loss, and bowel and bladder problems are some of the potential risks of any type of spinal surgery, including spinal fusion for the treatment of scoliosis.

How long do you live with scoliosis?

Most people with scoliosis are able to live normal lives and can do most activities, including exercise and sports. The condition does not usually cause significant pain or any other health problems, and tends to stay the same after you stop growing – see a GP if it gets any worse.

Can scoliosis patients give birth?

Scientists have determined scoliosis doesn’t cause any particular complications — pregnancy, labor, delivery, or fetal — compared to women without it. It also doesn’t appear to diminish fertility or increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.

Is scoliosis a death sentence?

Scoliosis isn’t a death sentence. Many people have scoliosis and it has little affect on their lives. Depending on the severity of the curve(s), people are affected differently.

Can scoliosis crush organs?

Severe scoliosis (80+degrees) can potentially affect not only the spine and rib cage, but also, may eventually affect the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.

Does scoliosis affect height?

Can scoliosis affect how tall I grow? Mild scoliosis usually doesn’t affect someone’s final height. But if a curve is big and not treated, it could mean a person doesn’t end up as tall as he or she might have been. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis.

Does scoliosis affect periods?

The nerves that run through the spine connect the brain with all other organs, which is why sleep, digestion and overall comfort are affected by scoliosis. Even menstrual cycles can become disrupted due to the condition and its impact on the body.

Does scoliosis affect breast size?

When you have scoliosis, it can widen one side of the rib cage and create uneven breasts. Uneven breasts in developing girls is a common symptom of scoliosis. Deformities in the chest wall. Chest wall deformities are structural issues that impact the chest and in turn, the breast size, shape and projection.

Does scoliosis surgery hurt after?

Pain and Flexibility

Patients commonly report that their scoliosis-related pain increases post surgery. This is partially due to the fusion site being immovable, which also impacts vertebrae adjacent to the fusion site, as well as muscles surrounding the spine that can become strained and tight.

Can you get scoliosis as a teenager?

About scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis can start at any age during childhood and adolescence, but it most commonly starts during a growth spurt, usually when children are 10-11 years old.

Can scoliosis be cured?

The prognosis for an individual with scoliosis ranges from mainly good to fair, depending on how early the problem is diagnosed and treated. There is no cure for scoliosis, but the symptoms can be reduced.

How many hours does scoliosis surgery take?

During scoliosis surgery, the surgeon will sometimes use special equipment to keep an eye on the nerves that come from the spine to make sure they are not damaged. Scoliosis surgery often takes 4 to 6 hours. It can also be much longer if the involved area is larger.