Scoliosis Surgery & Posterior Approach
The posterior approach to scoliosis surgery involves accessing the patients spine from the back, or posterior of the body, through an incision over the vertebrae to be treated.
What Is The Posterior Approach To Spinal Fusion Surgery For Scoliosis?
There are several approaches to spinal surgery for scoliosis. Each involves fusing – or joining together – the vertebrae in the curve to be corrected. The goal is to both reduce the abnormal curve in the spine and prevent it from getting worse.
One approach involves accessing and operating on the patient’s spine from the back. This is called the posterior approach, and it’s the most commonly used technique for surgically treating scoliosis in children and adolescents.
A spinal fusion involves placing bone graft or bone graft substitute in the spaces between each vertebra and then fastening instrumentation to the vertebrae to be fused. This serves as an “internal cast” to help realign and stabilize the vertebrae while the graft heals and the bones properly fuse.
Why Do I Need This Procedure?
Everyone has spinal curves; a certain degree of curvature is necessary so you can move, walk and balance properly. But in some people, the spine curves too much to one side or the other. This is called scoliosis. In children and adolescents, development of scoliosis is typically “idiopathic,” meaning that it has no known cause.
If the condition is severe, the spinal curves are usually visible – the body no longer looks symmetrical, or balanced. It may also be painful, and the condition could eventually contribute to other health problems.
If your doctor considers your curve to be mild, based on the results of a physical exam and other diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), he or she may prescribe external bracing. However, if there is significant curvature of the spine – typically more than 45 degrees – your doctor could recommend spine surgery.
How Is The Procedure Done?
For a posterior spinal fusion, you’ll be positioned on your stomach on the operating table and sedated under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes several hours. During surgery, your surgeon:
- Makes an incision in your back to access the vertebrae involved in the spinal curve.
- Retracts or separates the spinal muscles to allow access to the vertebrae.
- Attaches instrumentation to the vertebrae. This involves:
- Establishing “connection points” with hooks, screws, wires and other devices.
- Attaching a specially contoured rod to aid in correction and stabilization.
- Inserts bone graft or bone graft substitute to promote fusion.
- Completes a final tightening of the instrumentation.
- Closes the incision.
How Long Will It Take Me To Recover?
Your recovery period will vary, depending on your procedure and your body’s ability to heal and firmly fuse the vertebrae together.
Work closely with your doctor to determine the appropriate recovery plan for you. Follow his or her instructions so your spine can properly heal and you can get back to doing the things you like to do as fast as possible.
Will I Need Another Operation To Remove The Instrumentation?
No. The rods, hooks, screws and other devices your surgeon may use to stabilize your spine are typically left in the body, even after your bones are completely fused. In rare instances, infection or other complications may warrant implant removal.
Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?
All treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood loss and bowel and bladder problems are some of the potential risks of spinal surgery. Additional risks associated with scoliosis surgery may include rod or other implant displacement and failure of the vertebrae to fuse.
Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse effects, clinical results and other important medical information that pertains to scoliosis surgery.