Our Summary

This study looked at when and why people needed additional spine surgery as adults after having surgery for scoliosis (a condition where the spine curves sideways) as teenagers. The researchers studied 81 patients over 15 years. They found that about 22% of these patients needed more surgery as adults. The most common reasons for needing more surgery included issues with the position of the surgical implant, degeneration of the spine segment below the initial surgery, and a condition called pseudoarthrosis. These additional surgeries typically happened either within 15 years or after 30 years from the first surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study on scoliosis surgery?
  2. What were the most common reasons for needing additional surgery after initial scoliosis surgery?
  3. What was the typical timeframe for patients needing additional surgery after the initial scoliosis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scoliosis surgery is to follow up regularly with their healthcare provider to monitor the health of their spine and address any potential complications or issues that may arise over time. It is important to stay proactive in managing their spinal health to prevent the need for additional surgeries in the future. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and avoiding smoking, can help support the long-term success of the surgery and overall spinal health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for scoliosis surgery are those who have a curve in their spine that is severe and progressive, causing pain, difficulty breathing, or affecting their quality of life. The surgery is usually recommended for adolescents with curves greater than 40-50 degrees, especially if the curve is still progressing despite other treatments such as bracing or physical therapy. Additionally, patients with curves that are causing neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the legs may also be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo scoliosis surgery is based on a variety of factors including the severity of the curve, the age of the patient, and their overall health and lifestyle goals.

Timeline

  • Before scoliosis surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with scoliosis through physical examination, X-rays, and other imaging tests.
  2. Patient may undergo non-surgical treatments such as bracing, physical therapy, or pain management to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the curve.
  3. If non-surgical treatments are ineffective or if the curve is severe, surgery may be recommended. The patient and their medical team will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as the goals of the procedure.
  • After scoliosis surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes scoliosis surgery, which typically involves spinal fusion to correct the curvature of the spine.
  2. Patient will stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and will then begin a rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility.
  3. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor their progress and address any complications or concerns.
  4. In some cases, patients may experience complications or need additional surgeries in the years following the initial scoliosis surgery, as seen in the study mentioned above.
  5. Patients who do not require additional surgery will continue with regular monitoring and may need ongoing physical therapy or other treatments to manage any residual symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of scoliosis surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and mobility?

  3. Will I need physical therapy after surgery and for how long?

  4. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

  5. What kind of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?

  6. What is the success rate of scoliosis surgery in terms of correcting the curvature of the spine?

  7. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery in the future?

  8. What kind of lifestyle changes or restrictions will I need to follow after surgery?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on surgery?

  10. How experienced is the surgical team in performing scoliosis surgery and what is their success rate?

Reference

Authors: Diederich A, Erwin J, Carlson B, Bunch J, Jackson RS, Burton D. Journal: Spine Deform. 2022 Nov;10(6):1385-1392. doi: 10.1007/s43390-022-00525-5. Epub 2022 Jun 13. PMID: 35695990