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Complications of Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is significantly curved and affects less than 5 percent of the population. According to the Mayo Clinic, in patients with a 45-degree curve (or higher), doctors typically recommend spinal fusion surgery. This surgery can lead to severe complications.

  1. Function

    • Scoliosis surgery is usually performed when a person reaches adolescence to reduce the angle at which the spine curves and prevent further curving of the spine. While there are a variety of techniques currently used, all involve rods, hooks, wires or screws attached to the backbone in order to straighten it. The technique used varies by doctor and patient's preferences, as well as patient's location and severity of curve, age and spinal maturity.

    Considerations

    • Patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery can expect to be in surgery for about six hours. They are usually hospitalized for several days and will have limited activity abilities for up to six months. Additionally, because surgery is usually considered for children, note that spinal fusion will lead to stopped growth at the area of the surgery, which can lead to minor height loss.

    Warning

    • The rate of complications during scoliosis surgery are considered high, according to a paper in the Scoliosis Journal, because of the complexity and length of the surgery. In some cases, these complications include bleeding, pain and infection but spinal fusion surgery can lead to significant complications including arthritis, nerve damage, paraplegia and even death.

    Expert Insight

    • A review of the rate of complications arising from scoliosis surgery published in the Scoliosis Journal showed a significant lack of long-term study and research. The paper concluded that the rate of complications may actually be higher than reported and suggested

    Prevention/Solution

    • Patients are typically given antibiotics by their doctors following scoliosis surgery, which is to help prevent infection. Other medication can be prescribed to help with any lingering pain or discomfort. Patients can decrease any risk of complications directly after the surgery by keeping movement to a minimum--even receiving help with dressing, bathing or other needs.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Because of the relatively small amount of studies done on other treatment effects for scoliosis (as documented by a paper issued by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force), there is a group of patient advocates and alternative-healing experts that argue against scoliosis surgery, in favor of specialized exercise.

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