Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis surgery is an operation for scoliosis that involves a spinal fusion to realign and fuse together the curved vertebrae, allowing the bones to heal into a single, solid bone.

If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis and surgery may be needed, you might have questions about what to expect in the days, weeks and months before, during and after surgery.

Our specialists of surgeons, physical therapists and staff are here to answer your questions and make sure your child receives the best treatment and post-surgical care possible. Rest assured that during your appointments leading up to the surgery as well as your child’s time in the hospital, your team will be by your side to guide you through the process.

What to expect in the hospital

The day of surgery:

• Arrive at the hospital AT LEAST 2 hours before surgery
• Leave all valuables at home Oewelry, watches, large amounts of cash, etc.)
• You will check in through our Admissions Department and then be directed to our Procedure and Treatment Unit (PTU) to be prepped for surgery. Two family members may accompany you to the PTU, where you will meet your pre-operative nurse and anesthesiologist.
• Once your surgery is completed (usually 5-7 hours), you will be awakened gradually in our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This process takes approximately 2 hours. Your surgeon will brief your family while you are in our PACU.
• Once you are awake, your vital signs are stable and your pain is well controlled, you will be transported to the PICU, or pediatric inpatient floor. Our staff will then focus on helping you with pain control, nausea management, monitoring your vitals and making sure you are getting restful sleep.

If your child is taken to the PICU for extra monitoring, one parent can sleep next to your child.

‍When can I go home?

• When you can walk more than 50 Feet
• When you can keep solid food down
• When you have pain that is controlled by oral pain medicine
• When you can go to the bathroom on your own

***Earliest is 3 days and most patients are home by day 5 or 6***

What to expect at home

As your child recovers from spine surgery, your surgeon will provide you with guidelines to help you take care of your child.
Incision Care – Keep the incision clean and dry. Top cotton dressing can be removed 10 days after surgery. Adhesive surgical tapes were placed along your child’s incision while it heals. Leave these in place, they will peel off over time. Observe the incision for redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, drainage, sores, foul odor and /or opening or separation of the incision.

Bathing – Your child may begin to shower 10 days after surgery. Do not allow your child to soak in a bathtub or swim.

Diet – Encourage your child to eat a well balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. Until your child’s appetite returns to normal, encourage high calorie foods (dairy products, meats, eggs). Encourage fluids (water and fruit juices) and a high fiber diet (fruits, grains, and vegetables) to prevent constipation.

Medications – Pain Medication: Give the medication as ordered by your child’s doctor. Giving pain medication 20 minutes before your child is active may help decrease discomfort. Pain medication will gradually be needed less often as your child recovers. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used instead of the prescription pain medication for pain that is not severe.
Stool Softener: This may be recommended to prevent constipation. Constipation may occur due to your child’s decreased activity, prescription pain medications and iron therapy.

Post-op Brace – In special cases, your child’s doctor may recommend wearing a brace for a prior of time. This is very individualized and not for every child. Talk to your doctor about whether your child will need a brace after their surgery.

School – Many children will be ready to return back to school 3 to 6 weeks after leaving the hospital. We may arrange for a homebound teacher/tutor until your child returns to school. Before going back to school, your child should be able to sit in a chair comfortably all day and walk longer distances inside your home. Your child will be excused from PE classes about 6 months.

Dental Prophylaxis – On occasion, the orthopaedic doctor may recommend that your child receive an antibiotic before dental procedures, including routine teeth cleaning. Antibiotics are needed because there is a risk of infection from the germs that can enter the blood after a dental procedure. Your child may be at higher risk for this due to spine implants (rods, hooks, wires, and/or screws. Discuss this with both your dentist and orthopaedic doctor before the scheduled dental procedure.