Spinal Fusion for the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children: Orthopedic Surgery to Treat Curvature of the Back in Children and Teenagers
Edited By: Kit M. Song, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, October 20, 2005
ConclusionSummary of idiopathic scoliosis for idiopathic scoliosis 1. The overall complication rate
for spinal fusion is low. The most worrisome complications are infection,
problems with bone healing, and paralytic injury to the spinal cord. These
complications are rare, but if they occur, they may require additional surgery.
2. The recovery period from scoliosis surgery
is fairly predictable. The average length of stay is about four to five days in
the hospital and length of time to recover to more functional daily activities
is about four weeks. Return to full
activities should occur about 3 to 6 months out from surgery.
3. Spinal fusion surgery for
idiopathic scoliosis addresses problems of deformity and progression of
deformity well. However, it does not make the back normal and so the patient
may experience degenerative problems in 30 to 50 years which may require
additional treatment.
4. Spinal fusion surgery is
technically demanding and should be performed by highly skilled medical teams
whose members perform high volumes of scoliosis-related surgical cases.
5.The medical facilities performing this type
of work should have in place a very good spinal cord monitoring team, in
addition to excellent anesthesia support. The team effort is key to ensuring
successful outcomes for patients. Surgery for Idiopathic Scoliosis at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.Disclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
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