Scoliosis surgery – exploring your options

Scoliosis surgery has commonly meant a traditional open back fusion — a highly invasive operation requiring large incisions, muscle disruption, removal of a significant portion of spinal anatomy and insertion of bulky stabilizing implants. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curving of the spine that can develop as a result of neuromuscular disorders, birth defects or the natural degeneration of the spine over time. A traditional open back fusion can slow the progression of this curvature in some circumstances, but patients who undergo the surgery often face a long and difficult recovery due to its invasiveness.

Minimally invasive alternatives to open spine scoliosis fusion surgery

USA Spine Care offers several minimally invasive stabilization procedures as alternatives to open spine scoliosis fusion surgery, offering a shorter recovery period with less surgical scarring.^{^} Adult patients with degenerative lumbar (lower back) scoliosis who are candidates for one of our minimally invasive stabilization procedures — like a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) — can benefit from the following advantages:

• Only small incisions are necessary — The incisions made to access the spine during both TLIF (made in the lower back) and LLIF (in the side) are about one inch in length.
• Supporting muscles are spared — A series of dilating tubes are inserted into the incisions down to the affected area of the spine, separating muscle fibers without unnecessary cutting or severing. Small surgical instruments are then funneled through the tubes to decompress nerves and stabilize the spine.

Both the TLIF and LLIF procedures also involve placement of a support implant and bone grafts, which helps stabilize the two affected vertebrae and support the spine, while still allowing for postoperative healing and flexibility.

Ask your physician

If you’re living with adult degenerative scoliosis and surgery is recommended, consider the minimally invasive procedures offered at USA Spine Care. As the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, we have helped more than 75,000 patients get their lives back from neck and back pain.

To learn if you’re a potential candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery, contact our Care Team today for your no-cost MRI review.*

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