Scoliosis is a spinal condition in which the spine has an abnormal degree of curvature. A scoliosis surgeon specializes in treating scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery is complicated and can take six hours or more, depending on the patient’s case and the surgical team’s level of experience. Seeing a scoliosis specialist can improve the chances of a successful surgical outcome and provide people with treatment options that other healthcare providers may not be aware of.
Scoliosis surgeons must complete medical school and a residency in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery, with an emphasis on spinal surgery rather than brain procedures. A fellowship with a surgeon who treats scoliosis patients can be pursued after residency. The doctor is usually a member of a professional organization for spinal surgeons and seeks out opportunities for continuing education to learn about new treatment options and surgical techniques.
When the degree of curvature has progressed to the point where conservative treatment options such as braces are no longer effective, patients are referred to a scoliosis surgeon. The surgeon will examine the patient’s X-rays, conduct a physical examination, and devise a surgical strategy. A scoliosis surgeon may need to enter through the side or front of the body in some cases, while in others, the spine can be accessed entirely through the back. Preparing ahead of time will help you spend less time under anesthesia.
In most cases, fusion is used to prevent vertebrae from shifting out of position, and rods are used to stabilize them. The fact that scoliosis surgery is frequently performed on children presents a challenge for a scoliosis surgeon. When the growth of the spine is frozen, it can cause height abnormalities and interfere with normal skeletal development. Some surgeons use “growing rods” to allow the spine to grow while still preventing further curvature and pulling it into alignment. These rods are primarily used in infants and children, and they are adjusted as the patient grows.
Patients with scoliosis will be restricted in their physical activity for months after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. After the inflammation from the surgery has subsided and the spine has had a chance to recover, follow-up appointments will be required to determine how effective the surgery was. The curvature will be addressed, but not completely corrected, and the patient will have more comfort and a straighter posture as a result.