What Is Scoliosis Surgery Done With?

Pedicle screws are placed into selected parts of the vertebrae. Rods connect the screws and help hold the spine in a corrected position while the operated segments heal. Bone graft may be placed to encourage the vertebrae to join, depending on the planned procedure.

A surgeon may use computer navigation to display the position of spinal structures and instruments during the operation. This can help with planning and placement, but it does not replace the surgeon’s judgement. The exact construct depends on the curve, its flexibility, the bones involved, age, and overall health.

Ask which levels of the spine will be treated, whether screws and rods are planned, and what role bone graft has in your operation. Tell the surgical team about medicines, allergies, previous operations, and any change in strength, sensation, or bladder or bowel control.

Before leaving hospital, clarify wound care, movement limits, sleeping positions, pain medicines, and when physiotherapy begins. Recovery is staged, so follow the lifting and activity instructions given for your operation.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, worsening pain, new weakness, numbness, trouble walking, or a severe headache. Seek emergency help for sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Which implant system and materials are planned? How will the curve be measured and corrected? Will computer navigation be used? What symptoms should improve, and which changes require an urgent call?