Scoliosis Surgery: Approaches and Procedures

The scoliosis spine surgeon will choose the procedure that best treats the patient's problem. Sometimes more than one surgery produces the most favorable results. The surgeon will present the pros and cons of the different procedures so the patient and their family can make an informed decision with his guidance. Choices include:

• Posterior approach (back)
• Anterior-posterior approach (front and back)
• Anterior approach (front)
• Thoracoscopic surgery (VATS, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)
• Thoracoplasty (rib resection, rib removal)
• Osteotomies (bone removal)
• Hemivertebrae excision (partial or complete removal of a vertebra)

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