Scoliosis

To fix the curve, adolescents and young adults who have
stopped growing would undergo an operation called
spinal fusion. A spinal fusion is normally only done on a
patient who has a curvature of 45-50° and higher. The
aim of spinal fusion surgery is to stop the growth of the
curved segment of the spine completely, to prevent the
spinal curve from getting worse. In the surgery, surgeons
would attach two or three of the bones in the vertebrae
together so that they won't move independently.
Between the vertebrae, bone graft is put to encourage
the fusion between the bones. Usually, metal rods are
used to hold the spine in place when fusing together the
old and new bone content. Rods, screws, and/or wires
would be used to attach the rods.
If the surgery is done in a child who still grows, surgeons
would insert a rod that can vary in length. This rod would
be attached to the top and bottom parts of the spinal
curvature and it would normally lengthen every six
months. Bleeding, infection, pain, or nerve damage can all
be a complication of the spinal fusion surgery. If the bone
fails to heal, another operation would be required. The
fused part of the back will be rigid forever. On the other
hand in the unfused portions, most patients have
adequate motion to continue their usual activities and do
some sport.