Surgical options for scoliosis

There is no single operation for every patient. Your surgeon chooses a procedure based on your age, the pattern and flexibility of your curve, your symptoms and your overall alignment.

The goal of surgery

The goal is not a perfectly straight spine. It is a safe, balanced correction that eases symptoms, stops the curve from getting worse, and keeps as much healthy motion as possible.

Procedures we perform

Posterior spinal fusion and deformity correction

What it is

Through an incision along the back, screws and rods are placed to improve the alignment of the spine. Bone graft helps the treated bones heal together into one stable section, called a fusion.

Who it may help

One of the most common operations for significant scoliosis in teens, and also used for many adults with spinal deformity.

Decompression

What it is

Removing bone or tissue that is pressing on the spinal nerves. Depending on how stable the spine is, it may be done alone or together with fusion.

Who it may help

Adults with leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness caused by narrowing around the nerves.

Spinal osteotomy

What it is

Carefully releasing or reshaping part of the spine so that a stiff curve can be safely corrected. Each osteotomy is planned around the patient’s own anatomy.

Who it may help

People with severe or rigid deformities that cannot be corrected with standard techniques.

Front, side and minimally invasive approaches

What it is

Parts of the surgery done through the front or side of the body, or through smaller incisions. These can restore disc height, improve alignment, stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on nerves.

Who it may help

Selected patients whose anatomy and goals make a tailored approach the better fit.

Non-Fusion Technology

What it is

Spinal tethering is an innovative technique that acts as an internal brace to slow scoliosis progression and, in selected patients, improve spinal alignment. By stabilizing the spine without fusion, this approach helps preserve spinal mobility and motion.

Who it may help

Not every patient is a candidate, and the procedure is best suited to carefully selected cases. Also, please sequence sub-menu as Types, Pediatric, Children and Teens, Adults, and Surgical Options

Technology that supports safety

Deformity surgery is detailed work. These tools help our surgeons plan precisely and protect the nerves throughout.

Nerve monitoring

The spinal cord and nerves are monitored continuously during appropriate deformity procedures.

Imaging during surgery

Advanced imaging in the operating room confirms position and alignment as the surgery progresses.

Questions to ask your surgeon

If surgery is recommended, our team will review every option, the risks, the benefits and what recovery looks like, so you can make an informed decision. These questions can help guide that conversation.

Why is surgery recommended for me now, and what happens if I wait?

Which part of my spine will be treated?

How much motion will I keep afterward?

What are the risks for someone like me?

How long will I be in the hospital, and what will recovery look like?

When can I return to work, school or sports?

Questions about a curve, yours or your child’s?

Our specialists can review your X-rays, explain what they show and walk you through every option, including when no treatment is needed yet.