Things To Consider Before Undergoing A Scoliosis Surgery

Posted by abby smiths on March 8th, 2019

You need to consider a lot of things before you plan a surgery for scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery has a high chance of bringing in complications. Sometimes the rate of complications can be even higher than what is actually reported. Many experts argue that the pain caused due to scoliosis is much less than the lower back pain after a scoliosis surgery.

Here is a list of some of the most common questions along with answers about the complications of scoliosis surgery that you should be aware of before the surgery.

What happens if the rod breaks?

Rods are mostly made of titanium, cobalt chromium, or stainless steel. The type of implant material used in a surgery varies from person to person, and can also depend on a surgeon's experience. Unfortunately, each rod type can break. A broken rod indicates that a portion of the spine is not fused. A solid fusion is crucial, as, without this the rod gets repeatedly stressed and will eventually break. In most of the cases, rod breakage will require you to do another operation for fusion revision and replacement of the rods. This is not a desirable situation.

What are the permanent side effects of long fusion?

In case of some individuals, almost the entire spine area requires fusion as a scoliosis treatment. This is also known as long fusion. In such type of operation, the small and flexible area at the spine’s bottom has to absorb more stress with normal activities such as running, jumping, bending and lifting. This might be a primary reason for an earlier development of arthritis in the lower spine.

Will surgery increase the chances of developing arthritis?

Irrespective of having scoliosis or not, everyone develops arthritis in their spines as they age. However, the effects can vary depending on lifestyle habits. This process catches speed in patients who have scoliosis, because the forces that are transmitted through the twisted spine are concentrated over a smaller area and intensified. Individuals with large scoliotic curves are less likely to develop arthritis pain but, the shoulder pain after a scoliosis surgery will be more severe than that of arthritis.

Is there a risk of future back pain?

Post-surgery, some patients are reported to have trouble with lower back pain and shoulder pain. So, yes, there is a risk of future back pain after surgery. This can be managed with exercise and other simple treatments, without needing any medication or extensive therapy.

Scoliosis surgery, as some experts suggest is “purely cosmetic procedure” and there is no medical reason for the surgery. You might be skeptical on this like many individuals. So, first go to a scoliosis non-invasive treatment center and see for yourself. You might last well like this alternative method.

Author: The author is a blogger and the article is about scoliosis surgery.