Special x-rays are taken before surgery. This helps the doctor decide where your spine should be straightened.
During surgery your doctor:
1. Untwists your spine and attaches two rods to both sides. They use special hooks and screws.
2. Places bone chips from the bone bank over your spine. This is called a bone graft. Over the next 6 months, the bone chips grow into the spaces between your backbones (vertebrae). This holds them straight. They act like cement.
This is called a spinal fusion. Until the bone chips fuse together, rods support your back and keep it from curving again. Most of the time, casting or bracing are not needed after surgery.
Blood is lost during surgery. Some people need a blood transfusion after.
There are risks with any surgery. The chance any complications will happen is very low. The care team does everything they can to prevent complications. The care team will make sure you know the risks and answer all your questions before surgery.