What is the minimum curve for scoliosis surgery?

Your child might need surgery if his or her spine has a severe curve. This is a curve of at least 40 degrees. Or your child may need surgery in the future if other treatments, such as bracing, don’t keep the curve from getting worse. Children who have only mild curves are not likely to need surgery.

What degree of scoliosis is severe?

Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees: A mild curve is less than 20 degrees. A moderate curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. A severe curve is more than 50 degrees.

How serious is back surgery for scoliosis?

The most concerning risk with scoliosis surgery is paraplegia—loss of movement and feeling in the lower body and legs. It is rare but can be a devastating complication. To help manage this risk, the spinal cord is monitored during surgery through a several simultaneous methods: Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP).

Is scoliosis surgery a major surgery?

Spinal fusion for scoliosis is a major surgery. However, the surgery itself is only one part of a long process.

When Should scoliosis be operated on?

If your C-curve becomes severe (i.e., more than 40 degrees), or if you develop an S-shaped curve, you need surgery. As an adult, a scoliosis curve is only considered to be severe if it’s more than 50 degrees. Even in such a case, you may not need treatment.

When is it too late for scoliosis surgery?

If your curve is severe or rigid, your surgeon may remove parts of the facet joints to release them. They may also remove the roof of a facet joint to release pressure on your spinal nerves. Don’t despair because you’re an adult with scoliosis — it’s never too late for treatment.

Can you become paralyzed after scoliosis surgery?

These complications can improve over time, but some may be permanent. The risk of neurologic complications ranges from 1% to 4% overall. The risk of paralysis is less than 1%.

Is scoliosis surgery worth the risk?

Scoliosis surgery can correct your teen’s curve by at least 40% to 65%. This depends on the flexibility of their spine, type of curve, size of curve, and their age. In one study, curves treated with surgery only increased in size by 3.5 degrees over 22 years.

What can you never do after scoliosis surgery?

*DON’T do any heavy lifting and minimize bending forward until 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Also, don’t run or jump. *DON’T drive a car until your doctor’s OK, which is typically 6-8 weeks after surgery and only after narcotic-type pain medications are no longer being taken.

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