Q: What are the chances of the rod breaking?
A: The rods used in this surgery are usually made of stainless steel or titanium. However, these can break due to stress if the spine has not fused. In such a case, another surgery may be required to replace the rods and revise the fusion.
Q: Does Scoliosis spinal surgery increase the risk of developing arthritis?
A: Arthritis is a general condition that may occur with age due to wear and tear in anyone with or without Scoliosis. In Scoliosis patients, the chances are higher, because of the twisted spine which causes intensified load over a small area.However, experts believe that in Scoliosis patients with larger curvature of the spine, the risk of developing arthritis can be lowered if they undergo surgery.
Q: Which is a better choice for bone graft – my own or an allograft?
A: Bone graft from the patient’s own body is usually a good choice for Scoliosis spinal fusion surgery. However, many times the patient complains about pain at the donor site. In rare cases, fracture, bleeding, infection may also happen at this site. To avoid this surgeons opt for allograft or bone graft from a deceased donor. Sterilized thoroughly, this allograft is combined with the marrow of the patient to enhance its capability of fusion.
In recent times, surgeons have also started using artificial products such as BMP, Bone morphogenetic protein along with patient’s own graft or an allograft. These stimulate growth of bone or act as a support for new bone formation.
The surgeon’s expertise, experience and preference are also essential deciding factors in choosing the bone graft for your surgery. You can consider all options with your family and then finalize which approach suits you best.
Q: What is long fusion and what are its side effects?
A: When the whole spine undergoes spinal fusion surgery, it is called long fusion. It is required in some patients of Scoliosis. In this surgery, the lower spine area has to bear more stress even in normal activities like bending, jumping, lifting, twisting or running. This may result in early development of arthritis in this region.However, patients with Scoliosis also tend to develop early arthritis in the part of the spine that is twisted even when they do not undergo fusion surgery.
Q: What are the chances of back pain after surgery?
A: Some patients have back pain after the spinal fusion surgery. It is normally in the upper back or lower spine region. However, it can be easily treated with exercise and other simple measures like medications. But in some cases revision surgery to ease back pain or remove the implants may be required.
Q: Does the spinal fusion scoliosis surgery affect height?
A: Scoliosis Spinal Fusion Surgery straightens the spine. It will surely make the patient look taller. However, it will stop spinal growth in the spinal region that has been fused. But since this surgery is performed only after skeletal maturity, there might be only a minimal affect on the height of the patient.
Q: Will the hump on the back straighten after surgery?
A: A hump in Scoliosis is usually due to the twisted spine becoming prominent or the bent of the ribs. Surgery makes this bent smaller but it will not totally disappear. The surgeon can give the exact picture of how much deformity will be improved after the surgery.
Q: Is there a risk of paralysis after surgery?
A: Like any other surgery, Scoliosis spinal fusion also has several risk factors involved. These include paralysis and some other neurological complications. However the percentage of these potential risks actually occurring is low.
Q: Can women patients bear children after surgery?
A: Yes, conceiving is not generally hindered after this surgery unless some other limiting factors are also involved. This surgery also does not mean that such women will have to undergo only C-section for delivery as it does not affect undergoing natural birth process.
Q: Are the scars after surgery noticeable?
A: The length of the scar from spinal fusion surgery depends on the area and number of vertebra that are fused. It also depends on whether posterior or anterior approach has been used for surgery.In the posterior approach, you can typically expect a single scar of 6-12 inches while in the anterior approach, there could be 3-4 incisions measuring nearly 4-6 inches. However, this length varies from person to person.
Q: How does this surgery affect the flexibility of my back?
A: Spinal fusion surgery reduces the flexibility of the back but this depends on which region of your back is fused and the length of the spine involved.Surgeries in upper cervical region limit movements of the neck while those in the middle impact forward bending slightly. But surgeries in the lumbar region affect flexibility and restrict certain movements.
Q: Is wearing a brace must after this surgery?
A: A brace supports the spine and keeps it immobilized after surgery to enhance healing. With modern instrumentation techniques, the need for a rigid brace is much reduced. A corset or a soft brace can be used to support the muscles.
Q: How many times will I need to visit the hospital after surgery?
A: Spinal surgery for scoliosis is a major operation and requires long recovery period. During this time post operative visits and follow up checkups are a must to ensure that the recovery is on track. The number of appointments usually depends on the patient’s age, health condition, medical history and the surgery being performed. Generally the follow up is done in the second and sixth week after surgery followed by checkups in the third and sixth month.
Q: When can I travel by plane?
A: It is recommended not to travel by plane within 6 weeks of undergoing a surgery under anesthesia. However, a short flight of one-two hours may be taken if absolutely necessary. You must make sure to keep yourself well hydrated and active by moving around regularly.
Q: Will I have problem walking through the airport metal detector?
A: Usually the implants used in this surgery do not trigger walk through metal detectors in the airport. However, the implants near the surface may be detected by the hand-held metal detectors. But your hospital/surgeon can issue certificate for this to avoid any problems during your travel.
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