Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis

What it is and why we do it

Posterior spinal fusion is the standard, time-tested operation for a significant scoliosis curve. Working from the back, I gently straighten the curve and hold the corrected position with anchors and rods, then fuse the curved section so it cannot progress. It is generally recommended for curves that have grown large (commonly past roughly 45–50 degrees) or that are clearly progressing.

What happens during surgery

Through an incision down the back over the curved section, I place secure anchors in the vertebrae, use rods to rotate and straighten the spine into a balanced position, and add bone graft so the involved levels grow together into a solid, stable column. The spinal cord is monitored continuously throughout the operation.

Recovery

A hospital stay of several days is usual. Most children are walking within a day or two, back to school in a few weeks, and back to most activities over several months as the fusion solidifies (roughly six to twelve months). Many gain some height once the spine is straightened. Pain is well managed through a planned, step-down approach.

Activity and restrictions

There are activity limits for the first several months — no heavy lifting, contact sports, or extreme bending and twisting — while the fusion matures. We return your child to activities in stages, and most go on to full, active lives, including sports, once healed.

The science — for the curious

Posterior fusion is highly effective and durable: it corrects the curve and stops it from progressing for life. The trade is that the fused section becomes permanently stiff, so I fuse only the levels needed to balance the spine and preserve as much motion as the curve allows. For a younger patient who still has meaningful growth, a motion- and growth-preserving option (vertebral body tethering) may be an alternative worth discussing.

Learn more

Scoliosis Research Society — Idiopathic Scoliosis: srs.org

Scoliosis Research Society — Patient Brochures: srs.org/patients

This handout is general education about this procedure and does not replace the specific plan, risks, and consent discussion we have together for your child. Your own situation may differ — if anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins, so please ask me.