If you or someone you know is suffering from scoliosis, you may be wondering if surgery is the best option. This blog post will provide you with information about scoliosis surgery before and after, so that you can make an informed decision. We will also discuss some of the facts that you need to know about scoliosis surgery.
Scoliosis surgery is usually recommended for growing adolescents who have a curvature of the spine that is greater than 50 degrees. The surgery is performed in order to straighten the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves and to prevent further progression. It is a complex surgery, so it is important that you understand all of the risks and potential complications before making a decision.
After the surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for several days. You will likely experience some pain to a lot of pain. The goal of scoliosis surgery is to stop the progression of the curve, and to improve the patient’s quality of life but this is not always the case, and we are seeing the longer post-surgery it has been the more problems arise for the patient.
If you are considering scoliosis surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of the risks and potential complications. It is also important to get a second opinion from another medical professional as well doctors that provide non invasive care like a ScoliSMART doctor before making a final decision. Scoliosis Surgery is a major decision with permanent consequences.
Facts About Scoliosis Surgery:
- The average cost of scoliosis surgery is $100,000 to $200,000
- The surgery is not always successful in stopping the progression of the curve as it does not get to the root of the issue which are the chemical imbalances
- There are risks and potential complications associated with the surgery
- Patients will usually stay in the hospital for several days after the surgery or longer
- The hardware that is used is rated for only 20 years
- After surgery you may not have less pain, in some instances you will have more pain
- Healing time is longer than a noninvasive type of program
- You or your child will need to miss school and or work
- In many instances they will not be able to return to all of the activities that they were doing before the surgery
- There will be less flexibility in the spine because multiple bones (vertebrae) will be fused
- Some people are allergic to titanium. It is important to get tested in advance of the scoliosis surgery, Otherwise, you will develop complication after the metal is in place
- There is a risk that the bones do not fuse
- There may need to be a blood transfusion
- You may also experience nerve damage
- Overtime the screws in the rod may come loose
What to expect if you decide to go through with surgery:
- Pre donation of your own blood 6 weeks prior to surgery
- There is a healing time of about 2 to 3 months for most
- You will be bed ridding for a bit as well, but encouraged to start moving around as soon as possible
- You will be able to return to some of the sports you did before but not all
- There will be physical therapy for some time after to work with regaining muscle control
- You will be taking drugs to help with the swelling and pain for some time. Many patients are on the pain meds for longer than anticipated
- You may need to wear a scoliosis brace after as well
- Many patients need to go in for revisions after the initial surgery
- There will be some time for the incisions to heal and can get infected if not treated properly
At ScoliSMART, we understand that each patient’s case is unique. We advocate for the patient and are proponents of informed consent. If you or someone you love is considering scoliosis surgery, contact us today to learn more about ALL of your non-surgical treatment options. We are here to educate, support you, and empower informed choices.
