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ScoliCare is dedicated to providing non-surgical scoliosis treatment for children and adults.
In most cases, surgery can be avoided. In smaller curves, scoliosis specific exercise programs such as SEAS have shown to stop curves from getting worse [1]. In larger curves, scoliosis bracing has been shown to be effective in helping patients to avoid surgery in most cases [2].
Although it is rare, there are some cases where scoliosis surgery may be recommended. However, surgery is usually reserved for the worst cases and if other treatments are not working [3].
There are different types of scoliosis surgery. Spinal Fusion is the most common type of operation which connects the vertebrae in your spine using metal rods and screws to fuse together [4].
Spinal fusion is done in one of two ways:
- Posterior fusion: where the rods are attached to your spine directly from behind. This is the most common and widely used approach.
- Anterior fusion: where the rods are attached to your spine from the side of your trunk.
Both procedures have the goal of realigning the spine and holding that position. Like any surgery, there are some complications that may occur [5].
To find out if non-surgical treatment is the right option for you, contact us to make an appointment to consult with one of our Scoliosis Clinicians.
1. Monticone, M., et al., Active self-correction and task-oriented exercises reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in subjects with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Results of a randomised controlled trial. European Spine Journal, 2014. 23(6): p. 1204-1214.
2. Weinstein, S.L., et al., Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 2013. 369(16): p. 1512-1521.
3. Negrini, S., et al., 2016 SOSORT guidelines: Orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, 2018. 13(1).
4. Bridwell, K.H., Surgical treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Spine, 1999. 24(24): p. 2607-2616.
5. Coe, J.D., et al., Complications in spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the new millennium. A report of the Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality Committee. Spine, 2006. 31(3): p. 345-349.