
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Curves are often S-shaped or C-shaped. In most people, there is no known cause for this curve. People with milder curves may only need to visit their doctor for regular check-ups. Some people with more serious forms of scoliosis need medical treatment.
Surgery Treatment for Scoliosis
The most common type of scoliosis surgery is called spinal fusion, which is surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them. Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bone-like material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.
Because spinal fusion surgery immobilizes parts of your spine, it changes the way your spine can move. This places additional stress and strain on the vertebrae above and below the fused portion, and may increase the rate at which those areas of your spine degenerate.