Overview
Deformity correction surgery realigns the spine to improve balance, relieve nerve compression and stabilize a curve. It usually involves fusion over several levels with screws and rods, and sometimes bone cuts (osteotomies) to correct alignment.
This is major surgery. It is considered when symptoms are disabling and other options have not been enough.
Watch and learn
Video: “Mayo Clinic Minute - Correcting the curve with scoliosis surgery” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “What is the treatment option for severe scoliosis?” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Who may be a candidate
- Disabling back or leg pain from scoliosis or kyphosis
- Progressive curves or loss of balance
- Nerve compression
- Overall health and bone quality suitable for major surgery
Your exam, imaging and overall health decide whether this surgery is appropriate for you.
How it is done
- Detailed planning with full-length X-rays, CT and often bone density testing.
- Surgery may use approaches from the back, side or front, sometimes staged.
- Screws and rods are placed and the spine is realigned; bone graft promotes fusion.
- Hospital stay is typically several days, sometimes with inpatient rehab.
This surgery is usually performed in a hospital, sometimes with an overnight or longer stay. Procedures that are appropriate for outpatient care may be performed at GSMC’s surgery center; others are done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain what to expect.
Recovery timeline
Walking with help; pain management and wound care.
Gradual increase in activity; therapy.
Fusion matures; full recovery can take a year or more.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health and how many levels are treated. Your surgeon will give you a written plan.
Risks
Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will review them with you, including:
- Infection, bleeding and blood clots
- Nerve or spinal cord injury
- Nonunion or hardware failure
- Junctional problems above or below the fusion
- Need for further surgery
Alternatives to consider
- Core strengthening
- Physical therapy (what to expect)
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
See all nonsurgical options, or ask for a second opinion.
Who performs it
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old for scoliosis surgery?
Age alone does not rule it out; overall health, bone quality and goals matter most.
How long is the recovery?
Often a year or more for full recovery.
Are there smaller options?
For some patients, a limited decompression or shorter fusion may address the main symptoms.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary. No outcome can be promised.