What Is Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery?
When adolescent idiopathic scoliosis progresses beyond roughly 45 to 50 degrees, or is expected to continue progressing into adulthood, posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation is the standard surgical treatment. Screws are placed into the vertebrae along the curve and connected to contoured rods, which correct the deformity and hold the spine in a straighter position while the instrumented segment fuses solid.
Who It's For
Surgery is generally considered for curves greater than 45 to 50 degrees, curves that continue progressing despite bracing, or curves already causing pain or functional limitation. The decision weighs curve magnitude, remaining growth, curve pattern, and the impact on the child's daily life.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Through a posterior midline incision, pedicle screws are placed at each level along the curve under careful imaging or navigation guidance. Rods are contoured to the desired correction and attached to the screws, and specific correction maneuvers are used to realign the spine. Bone graft is placed along the instrumented levels to achieve a solid, lasting fusion.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Patients are typically hospitalized three to five days, with walking encouraged within a day or two of surgery. Bending, lifting, and twisting are restricted for about six weeks, most patients return to school within three to four weeks, and full return to sports or high-impact activity takes approximately six months as the fusion matures.