In some cases, surgery is the only option to prevent a scoliosis worsening to a detrimental degree. In other cases, surgical consultation may be recommended prior to starting a non-surgical treatment.
The main reasons to consider a scoliosis surgery are:
1) When a scoliosis curve is large and surgical intervention is required to stop it progressing further.
2) When the patient is very concerned about how they look because of the scoliosis, and correction cannot be acheived non-surgically
3) In severe cases to preserve lung function.
Surgeons assess the patient and their x-rays, CT or MRI scans. Scoliosis surgery often involves fusing the bones of the spine or rods might be inserted to hold the spine straight. New approaches such as tethering also may be an option.
ScoliCare’s approach to finding the best scoliosis treatment for each patient is to start with accurate assessment, and then to discuss treatment options with patients and their family. The ScoliCare team works with scoliosis surgeons to co-manage surgical cases, and will recommend surgical referral where appropriate.