Most Effective Ways To Treat And Live With Scoliosis

Spinal Fusion

Severe cases of scoliosis that do not respond to other methods of treatment may require a surgical procedure. These cases usually involve a child who has a curve in the spine that is forty-five degrees or greater. During a spinal fusion procedure, the vertebrae that make up the curve in the spine are fused together. This idea is accomplished through the use of some type of bone substance or material called a bone graft. Small fragments of this bone are set inside of the spaces in the patient's vertebrae so it can fuse. Over time, the bones that make up the spine grow to become fused with these fragments and growth is stopped in the abnormally curved part of the individual's spine. This process is similar to what occurs when a broken bone heals back together. The procedure itself can take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on how much of the spine needs to be fused and the characteristics of the patient's curve. In the long-term, the spinal fusion makes the affected segment of the back permanently stiff. However, the motion of the non-fused regions of the patient's spine allows for enough flexibility for them to perform all daily functions and participate in most sports.

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