Scoliosis Surgery: Goals and Considerations

Scoliosis surgery is complex and is a special surgical discipline within the area of spine surgery. One should choose a surgeon experienced in scoliosis surgical procedures. This includes the most current surgical techniques and treatment principles.

Why Surgery?

The reasons an adult undergoes scoliosis surgery may differ from a child. Most adults are treated for pain related to the scoliosis and deformity progression. Sometimes neurological deficits accompany adult scoliosis and require treatment. On the other hand, children are treated for progressive curves more than 40-degrees (for idiopathic scoliosis). Common to both adults and children is the goal of surgery: to avoid or stop pulmonary (lung) disease caused by severe thoracic (ribbed spine) curvature and to correct disfiguring spinal deformity.

Surgical Goals

Although surgery to treat scoliosis is often complicated, the goals are simple:

• Stop and correct progressive spinal deformity
• Improve back and or leg pain
• Prevent or stop restrictive lung disease that is associated with severe thoracic curvature and more common in congenital scoliosis (lungs cannot expand fully making breathing difficult, the body may not get enough oxygen)
• Create a balanced and stable spine
• Create a solid fusion
• Save as many motion segments in the lumbar (lower) spine as possible to preserve motion (flexibility) and function
• Achieve a fine cosmetic result

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