Scoliosis
Expert treatment from UI Health Care specialists can relieve scoliosis pain and improve posture. If needed, minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is available.
For requests:
1-800-777-8442
- For Neurosurgery related requests:
- 1-319-356-2237
- For Orthopedics and Rehabilitation related requests:
- 1-319-356-2223
What to expect if you have scoliosis surgery
Surgery will decrease the curve in your spine and eliminate pressure on your spinal nerves to reduce your pain.
In most cases, it can be a minimally invasive procedure like the following:
- Surgery happens while you're asleep under anesthesia.
- Your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your front, side, or back.
- Guided by advanced imaging technology, they'll insert very small surgical instruments through the incisions.
- They'll straighten the curve and attach metal rods to hold it in place.
- Small pieces of bone (usually taken from the pelvis) or metal hardware are placed alongside the vertebrae. They will fuse together with your spine as it heals.
- If you have a herniated disc, your surgeon may also remove it (discectomy) during the same surgery.
Recovering from scoliosis surgery
- You can expect to stay in the hospital for one to three days. A physical therapist will work with you to help you move around and walk.
- You'll follow up with your surgeon about two weeks after you're discharged. They'll let you know how often they want to see you as you recover.
- In about four to six weeks, you can return to work and light daily activities.
- It takes time for the bones to fuse completely, so your full recovery might take four to six months.
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