SCOLIOSIS SURGERY: POSTERIOR APPROACH LIVING WITH SCOLIOSIS

WHAT IS THE POSTERIOR APPROACH?

The posterior approach is the most common type of spinal surgery for scoliosis. The procedure involves posterior spinal instrumentation (the attachment of rods, hooks, and screws) combined with spinal fusion. In a posterior operation, the surgeon accesses the spinal column through the patient’s back.

WHEN IS THIS APPROACH USED?

The majority of corrective spinal surgeries for scoliosis use the posterior approach, which is the most traditional method of accessing the spine for spinal surgery. Usually a decision to use the anterior approach instead will be an exception rather than the rule, based on variety of factors including the type of scoliosis, location and severity of the curve, and surgeon’s preference.

THE OPERATION

As soon as the patient enters the operating room, they will be given anaesthesia to put them to sleep for the operation. When they are asleep, their anaesthesiologist will place a breathing tube to help them breathe during surgery. He or she will also place a variety of catheters in veins, which will monitor heart function, blood pressure, fluid status, and depth of anaesthesia during the procedure. Finally, the patient will be positioned on their stomach and their arms and legs will be padded for stability.

ABOUT THE INCISION

The surgeon will make an incision down the center of the back. The exact location and length of the incision will depend on the location of the scoliosis curve and how much access the surgeon will need to correct it. The incision will be slightly longer than the length of the planned fusion.

INSTRUMENTATION AND ROD PLACEMENT

To correct the scoliosis curve, the surgeon will implant a rod to straighten and stabilise the curve of the spine. They will typically use instrumentation (hooks, screws, and wires) to create “connection points” that allow the rod to be securely attached to the spine.

FUSION

After the instrumentation and rods have been placed, the surgeon will insert bone graft or a bone graft alternative between the vertebrae. The bone graft promotes spinal fusion, helping the vertebrae to heal together into solid bone.

INCISION CLOSURE

The surgeon will then complete a final tightening of the instrumentation to make sure the rod is secure before closing up the incision. The patient will wake up lying on their back in their hospital bed.