What to expect after scoliosis surgery

How long will it take to recover from scoliosis surgery?

Scoliosis surgery recovery is a relatively long process – patients won’t be able to go back to their normal activities until 3 to 6 months after the procedure.

What can you not do after scoliosis surgery?

1 month after surgery:

*DON’T do any heavy lifting and minimize bending forward until 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Also, don’t run or jump. *DON’T drive a car until your doctor’s OK, which is typically 6-8 weeks after surgery and only after narcotic-type pain medications are no longer being taken.

Does scoliosis surgery hurt after?

In a 50-year follow-up study, people who didn’t have scoliosis surgery had more pain than people without scoliosis. However, the pain was generally rated as occasional. It did not interfere with working life or with daily activities.

What are the side effects of scoliosis surgery?

Side effects of scoliosis surgery include:

• Loss of normal spinal function.
• Pain.
• Infection.
• Impaired psychological health [7]
• Neurological damage.
• Curvature progression.
• Increased deformity.
• Rod breakage.

What age is best for scoliosis surgery?

CHILDREN. Children with scoliosis between 3-10 years of age is normally the time when the best long term results can be achieved.

Will I get taller after scoliosis surgery?

Will I be taller after surgery? Most kids that have surgery for scoliosis or kyphosis will gain a little bit of height after surgical correction of their curve. The amount depends on how big the curve was and how much correction and straightening was achieved.

Can you bend after scoliosis surgery?

No Bending, Lifting, or Twisting

The most basic of precautions for the patient during the recovery process will be “no BLTs.” These include: No bending. The patient is allowed to bend at the knees and hips, but not at the back.

How do you sleep after scoliosis surgery?

Sleep Comfortably

1. Lay face up on the bed.
2. Elevate the upper back/shoulder/head – this is easy to do with an adjustable bed, but can also be readily achieved on a regular mattress by using supportive pillows.
3. Place a pillow or rolled up blanket under the back of the knees, so the hips and knees are slightly bent.

How many hours is scoliosis surgery?

Scoliosis surgery often takes 4 to 6 hours.

How bad is scoliosis surgery?

Major surgery has risks.

Complications from scoliosis surgery are less likely today compared to a few decades ago, but risks still include infection, paralysis, the spine failing to fuse, more pain after the surgery than before, and others.

Why does my back hurt after scoliosis surgery?

One in three spinal fusion patients report back pain within 7 years of their surgery. Nerve damage, implant failure, joint degeneration and other complications can all cause chronic pain, which can severely hamper the patient’s long-term quality of life.

How successful is scoliosis surgery in adults?

Although spinal fusion surgery for adults with scoliosis may not eliminate all symptoms, in a high percentage of cases it can effectively balance the spine, relieve scoliosis symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.

What is the success rate for scoliosis surgery?

The success rate of stable fusion and correction of spinal deformity is very high in experienced hands. The average curve correction is approximately 70 percent and the likelihood of complications has been about 2 to 3 percent overall. The fusion of the bones (enabling the bones to grow together) is permanent.