How long does surgery take?

Scoliosis surgeries are complex procedures with several steps involved in each operation. Ease case is unique, but surgery usually lasts from four to six hours.

What is the recovery process?

Following surgery, patients are admitted to the intensive care unit for observation and to ensure that any pain is properly managed. Some patients are required to wear a brace for up to three months during recovery. These are light thermo-plastic braces that can easily be put on and taken off, and do not have to be worn while sleeping or bathing. The day after surgery, some patients are able to sit up and take a step. By the second or third day, they can walk without a brace. Within a week, patients are discharged from the hospital and begin rehabilitation. It typically takes two to three weeks of rehab to regain everyday abilities. Kids are able to resume their normal activities quickly and can play some sports within six to nine months. Follow-up evaluations are usually scheduled every six months.

Is scoliosis hereditary?

Scoliosis appears to be genetic, although the causes are not fully understood. Multiple genes are involved, and there is variability in how severe the curve is, depending on these genes. Scoliosis does tend to run in certain families, but there is no set pattern. Curves can be mild or more severe from generation to generation or may skip a generation entirely.

Does scoliosis always develop during childhood?
Scoliosis is considered a childhood disease, although it is commonly discovered during the juvenile and adolescent stages between 9 and 12 years of age.

Can you get scoliosis from an injury?
It is possible for children to develop scoliosis as a result of a spinal cord injury caused by a degenerative neurological condition or trauma such as a car accident. As a result of loss of the normal muscle control in the spinal cord, a deformity develops in addition to the spinal cord injury.

Can viral diseases cause scoliosis?
In the past, polio was a leading neurological cause of scoliosis. Adults who grew up with polio when epidemics were common often develop scoliosis as a result of their prior condition.

Will insurance cover scoliosis surgery?
Scoliosis surgery is an appropriate medical treatment covered by insurance. Our staff is available to help you manage any paperwork.

What if our family is traveling from out of town?
Our staff can help with details like arranging transportation, finding a hotel, recommending places to eat and other personal matters.

Should I be concerned about a small curve?
An appointment is recommended to examine any abnormal curve in the spine. Curves that measure less than 20 degrees are usually no cause for concern unless there are signs of further progression. However, in growing children and adolescents, mild curvatures can rapidly worsen, so continued observation is important.

For more information, visit the Scoliosis Research Society.