When Does Scoliosis Require Surgery?

While a healthy spine has pronounced curves creating a mild S-shape when viewed in profile, side-to-side curvature, called scoliosis, isn’t normal. In most cases, the condition is mild, creating no symptoms; but for some, it can be pronounced, requiring medical treatment. 

Only a small percentage of scoliosis cases require surgery. Mild sideways curvature may need only observation, while moderate cases could require bracing, physical therapy, or pain management. Detecting the condition early gives the widest range of nonsurgical options. 

As a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in spinal deformities, Dr. Aqib Zehri in Portland, Oregon, is the expert you want in your corner when you or someone in your family is dealing with scoliosis.

In today’s blog, we take a closer look at when scoliosis is severe enough to warrant surgery. 

Scoliosis usually won’t need surgery

Mild sideways curvature is most often treated with ongoing observation in the absence of symptoms. Dr. Zehri typically schedules routine exams supplemented with diagnostic imaging to guard against the condition becoming more pronounced. 

Moderate cases of scoliosis may also be monitored regularly, along with conservative, noninvasive treatments. Children and adolescents may benefit from bracing to prevent further curving. It’s most common to receive a scoliosis diagnosis from ages 10 to 15.

Some adults may benefit from bracing, but physical therapy and targeted exercises are more common, along with pain management plans to minimize the impact of the condition on your daily life. 

When does scoliosis require surgery? 

Surgical procedures to address scoliosis are reserved for most severe conditions. Dr. Zehri may recommend surgery when a scoliosis patient experiences conditions such as: 

• Lateral spine curvature over 45 degrees in adolescents who are still developing
• Adults with spinal curvature that continues to deteriorate
• Curvature that advances despite monitoring and conservative care
• Pain from scoliosis interferes with everyday life
• Balance, standing, or walking become difficult due to scoliosis
• Neurological symptoms, e.g., nerve compression, numbness, or muscle weakness
• Deformity interferes with breathing, lung capacity, or overall cardiopulmonary function

No simple marker determines when surgery is the next step. Dr. Zehri recommends surgical intervention on an individualized basis, formed by considering how the condition affects you and your ability to function. 

The goals of scoliosis surgery

Depending on the particulars of your condition, Dr. Zehri may recommend one or more of these goals for your surgical procedure: 

• Reduced pain
• Improved spinal alignment
• Prevention of increased curvature
• Relieved pressure on nerve tissue
• Improved mobility
• Restored quality of life

Contact Dr. Aqib Zehri when your scoliosis symptoms persist or get worse. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chance of a suitable outcome. Call or click to schedule your personal consultation today.