• How do I know if I have scoliosis?
• Is there someone I can talk to who has scoliosis?
• Is scoliosis caused by not drinking enough milk or eating too much junk food?
• Can I have children if I have had scoliosis surgery?
• Why do kids get scoliosis?
• What are the goals and expectations of scoliosis surgery?

• How much correction do you expect to achieve?
• Do you normally show the patient the hardware that you will use in the surgery?
• Can you see or feel the hardware under the skin?
• Do my rods have to be taken out?
• Does scoliosis hurt?

How do I know if I have scoliosis?

If you are a child, this will often be checked by a school nurse or a pediatrician. If a rib hump is detected, it could indicate scoliosis. A more prominent scapula or uneven shoulder or pelvic heights also may indicate scoliosis. For adults, if you feel you are losing height as you get older or have noticed an asymmetry in your pelvic or shoulder heights, this also may indicate scoliosis.

Is there someone I can talk to who has scoliosis?

Absolutely. Patients in our practice would be happy to speak with you regarding their condition. Many of these patients have had surgery for scoliosis and can talk to you about that experience, as well.

Is scoliosis caused by not drinking enough milk or eating too much junk food?

Absolutely not. 

Does scoliosis hurt?

For the most part, scoliosis in adolescents or young children should not hurt. If scoliosis is painful, this may point to a more serious underlying condition associated with scoliosis.

Why do kids get scoliosis?

Even now, no one knows for sure. Scoliosis is multi-factorial in origin; many factors do come into play and there also has been shown to be a genetic predisposition. About 2-3% of kids get scoliosis, and the larger curves are more common in girls than boys.

What are the goals and expectations of scoliosis surgery?

The goals are to correct the curve and prevent the curve from progressing further. This also provides an improved cosmetic effect. 

How much correction do you expect to achieve?

This depends on how flexible the curve is, which I can determine based on the bending films. On average, we expect 50-75% correction of the curve.

Do you normally show the patient the hardware that you will use in the surgery?

We normally do, unless the patient does not want to see it. We find that it is helpful for the patient to completely understand what the surgery will entail and what is going on inside their own body.

Can you see or feel the hardware under the skin?

You cannot see the hardware under the skin. If you are very thin, a screw or rod may become prominent and therefore may be felt. If this is an issue, it can always be taken out after the fusion is solid. However, this occurs in less than 10% of patients. 

Do my rods have to be taken out?

No. The rods stay in for the rest of your life unless there is a problem. We would not submit you to a second operation for no reason. 

Can I have children if I have had scoliosis surgery?

Yes, absolutely.