Do I need scoliosis & deformity surgery?
If your curve is greater than 45-50°, it will very likely get worse, even after you are fully grown. This may increase the cosmetic deformity in your back, as well as affect your lung function. Surgery is recommended.
Curves between 40° and 50° in a growing child fall into a grey area — several factors may influence whether surgery is recommended. These should be discussed with your surgeon.
How successful is surgery for scoliosis & deformity?
Spinal fusion is very successful in stopping the curve from growing. Today, doctors are also able to straighten the curve significantly, which improves the patient’s appearance.
How straight will my spine be after surgery?
The degree of correction from surgery depends on how flexible your scoliosis is before your operation. In general, the more flexible your curve is, the better the correction from surgery. Your doctor can measure your flexibility before surgery with special x-rays called bending or traction films.
Most patients recover from surgery with curves that have been straightened to less than 25°. In many cases, these small curves are hardly noticeable.
I have back pain associated with my scoliosis & deformity. Will the surgery relieve it?
Everyone — whether there is scoliosis or not — has some back discomfort from time to time. Expecting to never have any future back pain would be unrealistic.
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Neck & Spine Specialities
Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.
Arthritis
Bulging/Herniated Discs
Disease & Disorders
Degeneration
Fractures
Infections
Injuries
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Stiff Neck
Tumors
General Orthopedics
Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Arthritis
Bursitis
Chronic Pain
Deformities
Disorders
Fractures
Injuries
Sprains
Strains
Tendonitis
