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About Recovery From Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis surgery is usually done as a way to correct the condition that causes the sufferer to have an abnormally curved spine. In most cases, scoliosis develops during childhood and progresses as the child ages. If the curve of the spine measures more than 40 degrees, scoliosis surgery will likely be considered.

  1. Surgery

    • Scoliosis surgery is typically performed during adolescence as a way to prevent the curve of the spine from worsening. To perform scoliosis surgery, the physician will fuse together the vertebrae of the spine at the site of the curve. A cut will be made in the center of the back to allow the doctor to access the affected area. To fuse together the vertebrae, several devices may be used, including wires, rods and screws.

    Recovery

    • Scoliosis surgery is a major medical procedure and will likely require that you stay in the hospital for about a week. For the first few days, you will have difficulty moving and may be bedridden. Patients will likely need to miss school or work for approximately two to three weeks following the surgery. To deal with the pain from the surgery, painkillers will likely be prescribed.

    Incision Care

    • You will need to take care of the incision following scoliosis surgery. You will need to keep the site dry for the first week and will need to avoid showers. When you do shower, plastic wrap should be secured with medical tape over the incision in order to keep it dry. In most cases, the surgeon will use stitches that will dissolve on their own and not require removal.

    Considerations

    • You should try to keep still as much as possible during the recovery period following scoliosis surgery. Doctors will discourage any type of movement that places strain on the spine during the first two to three months after the surgery. This includes bending over, lifting heavy objects or twisting.

    Complications

    • When you have scoliosis surgery, you are at risk of developing complications post-operatively. As with most surgeries, there is the chance of bleeding and infection occurring. Nerve damage can occur when a person has scoliosis surgery and the vertebrae may not heal properly. This can lead to the need for an additional surgery.

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