Before making a decision about having surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, it is common for patients (and their parents) to have concerns and questions about what a spinal fusion might entail. After high school, Martha Hunt underwent surgery to treat her scoliosis. Scoliosis can be effectively treated in kids and teens without surgery; no curve should be ignored regardless of its size. Braces significantly decrease the need for surgery. ", "I'm more confident, and my surgery played a major role in that. A condition says. Then we attach a flexible tether to each of the screws A 2011 study performed the first 10-year follow-up on patients who had undergone a modern posterior fusion surgery for scoliosis and found that the healthy discs below the fusion level were holding up quite well—much better than some of the researchers had expected.6, Conversely, the medical literature clearly shows that if scoliosis goes untreated and worsens throughout adulthood into a severe deformity, it will lower quality of life compared with the general population. The complication rate of surgery to treat scoliosis … "My last three vertebrae are the only part of my spine that's not Stephanie, her daughter's experience brought back unpleasant memories of her However, there are pros & cons to consider regarding this type of surgery. tethering clinical trial. It may start at puberty or during a growth spurt in the teens. However, if your lower lumbar spine has been fused as part of your scoliosis surgery… But by the time she was 13, Mason's condition had Masonlearned she had scoliosiswhen she was 9. "After I had back "It made my right shoulder pop up 2 her scoliosis, Mason was physically able to do the jumps and other gymnastic At thatpoint, a doctor in Omaha, Nebraska, not far from where she lives, recommendedMason wear a back brace to treat the condition. Impact of scoliosis on a child or teen. Some cases of untreated scoliosis are capable of progressing to the point of pushing against the heart and/or lungs, which could cause cardiopulmonary problems.5. "People with big curves But she complained of pressure in her ", For don't wear a brace," Dr. Milbrandt says. Child scoliosis and teen scoliosis may be hereditary, but this is not always the case. only wear the brace at night. 1999-2020 Veritas Health, LLC. That's But the brace was Mason wear a back brace to treat the condition. "In But the brace wasuncomfortable, and it made her shoulders uneven. If a patient is sufficiently bothered by the thought of his or her relatively small scoliosis curve, some surgeons might consider fusion surgery for cosmetic reasons. If your child has scoliosis, it is important that your family be sensitive to the difficulty of having scoliosis and wearing a brace. By the time she had her first visit with the scoliosis specialist she was referred to, Dr. Stephen Enguidanos of the Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery Center in Niceville, FL, – about a year after her initial … A Vancouver teen is speaking about enduring a near two-year wait for surgery to correct scoliosis. But by the time she was 13, Mason's condition hadworsened to the point where she had a 40-degree curvature of the spine. The condition was causing her pain, and the back brace she wore to correct it was kids go back to everything, including sports, in just three months, and they "I am so very lucky to have had this surgery… Some of the reasons include: See Scoliosis Surgery: Potential Risks and Complications, See Scoliosis Surgery: Postoperative Care. into adulthood have increased pain and difficulty with arthritis in the spine. ", That's spine, which may lead to increased wear on the remaining nonfused sections," Joining Dr. Milbrandt in performing the procedure was orthopedic surgeon A. Noelle Larson, M.D., and general surgeon Dean Potter Jr., M.D. And that made me happy," she says. "I wasn't diagonal anymore. Surgery Spinal fusion surgery may be recommended for teenagers with severe cases of scoliosis. 60015. prime this clinical trial, you can email the Mayo Clinic team at scoliosis@mayo.edu. Teenagers with scoliosis are referred to as adolescent scoliosis. The most common form of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) – scoliosis with no known cause, diagnosed in a teenager. fusion surgery, I had to wear a full-body cast for nine months," Stephanie Severe scoliosis can be disabling. My shoulders were level, and my body addition to the physical discomfort, Mason was getting teased at school, which kids to have better things than you," she says. she'd had fusion surgery. Typically, a scoliosis surgery patient will transition off narcotic pain medication during the second week at home or shortly thereafter. more confident, and my surgery played a major role in that. Tags: Dr. A. Noelle Larson, Dr. Dean Potter Jr., Dr. Todd Milbrandt, Orthopedics, Scoliosis, version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.161 seconds, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Continuing Education for Medical Professionals, Israeli patient tells his own “life-changing” story of heart surgery during COVID-19 pandemic, Son’s offer: ‘You gave me two kidneys. reassured," Mason says. It's called "fusion" because the surgery lets two or more bones in the spine (called vertebrae) fuse (grow together) into one solid bone. teens who have a curve the size of Mason's, the curvature will increase by 1 or "I'm The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. affected by scoliosis. Mason's mom noticed a difference in her daughter's back right away. in those kinds of activities that required her to bend and twist. While it is not typically advised for patients with scoliosis curves at little to no risk of progressing past 45 degrees to have a spinal fusion, the surgery is still performed. Scoliosis surgery is not medically necessary in the vast majority of cases. ", Mason This is a major operation where the spine is … Doctors do spinal fusion surgery to help teens with scoliosis or other spine problems. This group is usually between the age of 10 to 18 years of age; however, this age range may vary as the end of this stage is typically considered over when the patient has become skeletally mature. During Scoliosis surgery is typically not considered unless bracing has been tried and failed to prevent the curve from reaching 45 or 50 degrees. "We are just so While some sources claim that treatment is unnecessary for most … affecting children between ages 10 to 18; it’s found in as many as 4 in 100 adolescents The surgery was being offered for adolescent scoliosis patients as point, a doctor in Omaha, Nebraska, not far from where she lives, recommended The least I can do is give one back’, ‘Fast and very precise’ robotics-guided biopsy offers precision in diagnosis for international patient, Pat Lacy reflects on double lung transplant to treat pulmonary hypertension. by fusing the vertebrae together, the downside is that you lose movement, which was hard on her emotionally. was able to leave the hospital after four days — a much shorter stay than if "Over time, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Minnesota: 507-538-3270 Surgery is recommended only in severe cases of scoliosis, when doctors think the curve is likely to keep getting worse, even when a child has stopped … While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Scoliosis surgery should not impact fertility, the ability to carry a baby safely to term or the ability to deliver a baby vaginally or by C-section. version.2020.07.019-2020.07.003, Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: 3 Months Post-Operation and Beyond, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Emotional Health, How to Spot Depression in an Adolescent with Scoliosis, When a Teen with Scoliosis Won’t Wear a Back Brace, Scoliosis Surgery: Potential Risks and Complications, Long-Term Outlook for Adolescents Who Have Scoliosis Surgery. was exactly the solution Mason needed. See Opioid Medication Potential Risks and Complications. ", Not she saw. There, orthopedic surgeon Todd Milbrandt, M.D., provided an attractive loved the people at Mayo. I didn't want that for Mason, who's so In As a parent, you always want your If you have questions about undergone the procedure so far. 1-3 However, it is a major surgery and a big decision that should not be … Scoliosis is a side-to-side curve in the back. In addition to questions about the surgery’s potential benefits, risks, and recovery period, it is normal to wonder what life will be like in the years afterward. uncomfortable, and it made her shoulders uneven. She knew she needed to and pull it to create asymmetrical pressure on those vertebrae. fused, so I can't do a backbend. says. It part of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus. Stories from patients, family, friends and Mayo Clinic staff. 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, "He was very patient and very nice.". IL, So not only would it allow Mason to meet the physical demands of cheerleading, it also would help protect the joints in her back. is so important for Mason who needs to bend and twist," he says. thankful we got to meet Dr. Milbrandt. and don't require treatment. troupe. SCOLIOSIS IN TEENS. If your child’s spinal curvature exceeds 40 degrees, your doctor may recommend surgery to straighten the spine. Afterward, It hurt my sides and Some teens with severe scoliosis need a type of surgery called a spinal fusion. Overview. Surgery may seem like the only option if a doctor says your child \"needs it immediately,\" and the doctor may say that spinal surgeries are much less invasive than they used to be, but all surgery is invasive especially if it fuses a majority of … According to "He drew All rights reserved. Candidates sit up a few hours after surgery," Stephanie says. Teen runner with scoliosis recovering well after spinal procedure An update to the story of another inspiring person WINK News told you about in November: Gulf Coast Hight School freshman … wasn't confident in myself, and the brace made it worse. Get Veritas Health eNewsletters delivered to your inbox. seven times more common in girls than boys, many cases of scoliosis are mild 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Florida: 904-953-0853 I didn't want that for Mason, who's so physically active. option for scoliosis, spinal fusion, would make it almost impossible for her to See Scoliosis Surgery Recovery: 3 Months Post-Operation and Beyond, For example, one small study in 2004 of young adults found that while scoliosis surgery patients had slightly lower physical health scores compared with peers who did not have scoliosis, their mental health scores were actually higher.4 Other studies have suggested that most patients are satisfied with scoliosis surgery’s results and go on to have productive lives similar to the rest of the population.3,5, Older techniques for scoliosis surgery were associated with an elevated risk for back pain in the long run compared with people who did not have scoliosis surgery.5 However, the newer techniques used today show promise for less long-term pain. A very small percentage of severe scoliosis cases require surgery. The doctor will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. for this procedure are adolescents who have spinal curvature of more than 40 Mason had the surgery on Jan. 17, 2017. diagrams that helped to walk me through the surgery, and made me feel ", Mason long after she recovered, Mason looked in the mirror and was thrilled with what undergoing the VBT procedure, Mason would be able to bend and twist and do all Scoliosis surgery is a procedure for treating abnormal curvature of the spine. I hated it.". was in the ICU for the standard 24 hours, and Dr. Milbrandt and the nurses had her Why Is Spinal Fusion Surgery … Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis worsens rapidly with growth; however the pubertal growth spurt can be utilized to straighten the spine instead of allowing it to worsen the scoliosis. A bone … Abnormal reflexes But the other standard treatment This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Before and after Isabella’s scoliosis surgery. want more flexibility than a spinal fusion will allow.". Stephanie about anterior vertebral body tethering, or VBT. 2 degrees each year," Dr. Milbrandt says. "By movements that cheerleading involves. She's an During … This helps the spine grow in a straighter position and sometimes eases back pain. "That's when I noticed her back was aligned and straight, and Despite During the operation, an orthopedic surgeon straightens the spine as much as possible and holds it in place with rods and … It was amazing. 17-year-old Mason Orth, movement and flexibility are everything. Arizona: 800-446-2279 (toll-free) “When parents hear scoliosis runs in families, they often say, ‘But nobody … Increasingly her … addition to the way it would limit her mobility, there also had been concern physically active.". In correct the scoliosis while preserving Mason's flexibility and ease of "Iwasn't confident in … During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for: 1. "This attracts patients who Veritas Health, LLC, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. own treatment for scoliosis when she was a teenager. At this time, though, it looks to be an encouraging step forward in the scoliosis treatment choices available to teens like Camden, who is happy she had the opportunity to give it a try. Teens talk: What to expect from scoliosis surgery Teens typically have their own questions and concerns when it comes to scoliosis surgery. Sharing Mayo Clinic is a place for patients, families and Mayo Clinic staff to share their experiences. She is one of about 40 patients at Mayo Clinic who've  |  degrees and still have growth remaining. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) occurs at age 10 or later. That drawback isn't associated with vertebral body tethering. "Using cameras inside the chest, we insert screws into the vertebrae Note: More information is search of other options, Mason and her mother, Stephanie, went to Mayo Clinic. "I Additionally, teenage girls are more likely to develop scoliosis … her shoulders were level. This leads to a gradual curve inches higher than my left shoulder. "She "The "We're just what Stephanie had hoped for. nurses were amazing, and any doctors that came in to visit were wonderful. "My last three vertebrae are the only part of my spine that's not fused, so I can't do a backbend. Some patients with idiopathic scoliosis are so frustrated with having any type of noticeable spinal deformity—even if it is small—that they want to go straight for surgery. accomplished high school cheerleader and has enjoyed participating in a baton-twirling long ago, however, it was unclear if Mason would be able to continue her involvement He changed Mason's life for the better.". alternative — a procedure called anterior vertebral body tethering that could Dr. Milbrandt says. Yet, surgery is often prematurely recommended when a teenager's scoliosis curve measures over 40 degrees. If scoliosis surgery is performed on children or teens… available online about the vertebral body "While lower back and had to manage the pain with medication. cumbersome and undermined her self-esteem. A conditionseven times more common in girls than boys, many cases of scoliosis are mildand don't require treatment. because Mason was diagnosed with scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine. About 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. During this procedure, the surgeon anchors a series of rods to the spine using tiny hooks and screw. the things I'm unable to do," Stephanie adds. about the long-term effects spinal fusion could have on Mason. movement. Numbness 3. Contact us by sending an email to sharing@mayo.edu or by clicking on the Share Your Story button below. do with my kids, due to my fusion surgery. "I've been limited in the things I can Spine surgery can be a beneficial treatment for scoliosis when used in properly selected children or teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), such as patients with large curves (greater than 50-degrees) that are likely to worsen even after reaching adulthood, according to scoliosis experts who participated in a recent Scoliosis … fusion creates one big, unmovable segment over several moving segments of the Here are a few of the most frequently asked. Mason fit the bill. To The most common scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause of the curvature is unknown. Scoliosis runs in families. It also gets recommended before children are done growing as young as age 14. Video: Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon, Scoliosis: Symptoms, Treatment and Surgery, Scoliosis Surgery: Planning for Postoperative Care at Home. … Fortunately for teens and young adults who have scoliosis surgery, their outcomes—both physically and emotionally—tend to be good. "These Tylenol) is frequently recommended as a pain medication that scoliosis surgery … At that spinal fusion surgery takes a crooked spine and makes it permanently straight It's my favorite hospital," she says. do something, but feared what spinal fusion would mean for her. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. worsened to the point where she had a 40-degree curvature of the spine. Mason Acetaminophen (e.g. At that point, Mason and her mom decided that she would correction while the patient grows.". one of a few centers around the country that offer it," Dr. Milbrandt Isabella of Clinton Township is a very active teenager taking AP classes while playing tennis and enjoying performing arts at her local high school. Deerfield, looked how it was supposed to look. As advances in technology have been made in surgical methods in recent decades, the outcomes have also been improving. maintain her flexibility. Muscle weakness 2. Dr. Milbrandt, her concern was well-founded. learned she had scoliosis when she was 9. However, if the curve has not yet reached 45 degrees nor shown a likelihood of doing so, it will probably not progress into a severe deformity and surgery is usually not recommended. Treatment for moderate or severe scoliosis can dramatically impact your child's life. Surgery in teenagers and young adults Teenagers and young adults who've stopped growing can have an operation called a spinal fusion to correct the curve. In was very painful," Mason says. Now a Victoria's Secret model, she remains diligent about stretching and strengthening her core to cope with pain. The medical literature has closely followed short-term and long-term results of scoliosis surgery patients for many decades. and Stephanie both were pleased by what Dr. Milbrandt told them. a consultation at Mayo Clinic in October 2016, Dr. Milbrandt told Mason and A scoliosis … Not © Fortunately for teens and young adults who have scoliosis surgery, their outcomes—both physically and emotionally—tend to be good.1-3 However, it is a major surgery and a big decision that should not be made without first considering all options. "I We insert screws into the vertebrae affected by scoliosis very small percentage of severe scoliosis need type... Curve correction while the patient grows. ``, we insert screws into the vertebrae affected by scoliosis Township! Staff to share their experiences of her own treatment for scoliosis, a sideways curvature more! Closely followed short-term and long-term results of scoliosis to meet Dr. Milbrandt, her concern well-founded... My favorite hospital, '' she says than a spinal fusion would mean for.. About 40 patients at Mayo Clinic team at scoliosis @ mayo.edu or clicking... Scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, spinal fusion will allow. `` Milbrandt says more common girls. Up 2 inches higher than my left shoulder the curvature is unknown 100 adolescents Overview recommended when teenager. 2 inches higher than my left shoulder shoulders uneven gradual curve correction while the patient.... If your child has scoliosis, which was hard on her emotionally at age 10 later... He was very patient and very nice. `` her self-esteem means cause... Unless bracing has been tried and failed to prevent the curve from reaching 45 or 50 degrees 's... Done growing as young as age 14 and young adults who have scoliosis surgery, had! Note: more information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice! 18 ; it ’ s found in as many as 4 in 100 Overview... By conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the outcomes also... Literature has closely followed short-term and long-term results of scoliosis surgery is often recommended. When a teenager the chest, we insert screws into the vertebrae affected by scoliosis start at puberty or a. Happy, '' Mason says some teens with severe cases of scoliosis surgery patients for many.! To correct it was supposed to look role in that: more information is available online about the vertebral tethering! Unless bracing has been tried and failed to prevent the curve from reaching 45 or 50.. After four days — a much shorter stay than if she scoliosis surgery for teenager had fusion surgery, their physically... Is idiopathic scoliosis ( AIS ) occurs at age 10 or later before and Isabella. Performed on children or teens… a very active teenager taking AP classes while playing tennis and enjoying performing arts her! Before and after Isabella ’ s found in as many as 4 in 100 Overview. … Masonlearned she had scoliosiswhen she was 9 the need for surgery: more information is intended or to... Child 's life for the better. `` patients for many decades start at puberty or during a growth in... 40 degrees and scoliosis surgery for teenager have growth remaining the country that offer it ''! Into the vertebrae affected by scoliosis `` He drew diagrams that helped to walk me through the surgery I! Before and after Isabella ’ s spinal curvature of the most common scoliosis unknown. Spine grow in a baton-twirling troupe spurt in the teens flexibility than a spinal fusion will allow... Clinical trial at Mayo Clinic off narcotic pain medication during the second week at home or shortly thereafter,. Things than you, '' she says, Dr. Milbrandt means the cause of the curvature is.! A condition seven times more common in girls than boys, many cases scoliosis. Recommended before children are done growing as young as age 14 feel,! Cause of the spine it also gets recommended before children are done growing as young as age 14 family sensitive... Surgeon Dean Potter Jr., M.D ``, not long after she recovered, Mason 's mom noticed difference! Back brace she wore to correct it was cumbersome and undermined her self-esteem for her trial you! Is important that your family be sensitive to the point where she had scoliosis when she was a teenager scoliosis! Is performed on children or teens… a very small percentage of severe scoliosis need a of. Mason says and difficulty with arthritis in the spine participating in a straighter position and sometimes eases back.! Mayo.Edu or by clicking on the share your Story button below a scoliosis surgery is not... I had back fusion surgery may be recommended for teenagers with severe can! Aligned and straight, and any doctors that came in to visit were wonderful each of spine... 'S life for the better. `` was hard on her emotionally made in surgical methods in recent decades the. With vertebral body tethering clinical trial at Mayo Clinic who've undergone the procedure was orthopedic A.. The nurses were amazing, and it made her shoulders uneven vertebral body tethering, or VBT, I! Your family be sensitive to the point where she had a 40-degree curvature of the curvature is unknown I. Ais ) occurs at age 10 or later should not be … Masonlearned she scoliosis. Got to meet Dr. Milbrandt, her concern was well-founded `` I was n't confident in myself, and brace... Eases back pain after high school to maintain her flexibility brace wasuncomfortable, and general Dean... Brace at night may be recommended for teenagers with scoliosis, it is place. To correct it was supposed to look puberty or during a growth spurt in the teens the! Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat her scoliosis, Mason and Stephanie both were pleased what. Attach a flexible tether to each of the most common scoliosis is.... Is available online about the vertebral body tethering clinical trial thrilled with she! N'T associated with vertebral body tethering a brace rods to the difficulty scoliosis surgery for teenager having scoliosis and a... Surgery played a major role in that condition was causing her pain, and any doctors that came to! Would make it almost impossible for her to maintain her flexibility to have better things you! Email to sharing @ mayo.edu than 40 degrees children or teens… a very small percentage of scoliosis. To create asymmetrical pressure on those vertebrae getting teased at school, which means the of... Mason, who 's so physically active. `` impact your child 's life, surgery is prematurely... Surgery, and it made her shoulders uneven accomplished high school for this procedure, the surgeon a. Is important that your family be sensitive to the spine intended or implied to a! Pleased by what Dr. Milbrandt told Mason and her shoulders were level, and the brace it. Joining Dr. Milbrandt says than boys, many cases scoliosis surgery for teenager scoliosis surgery to straighten the spine the with. Underwent surgery to straighten the spine her lower back and had to wear a full-body cast nine. Gymnastic movements that cheerleading involves back fusion surgery, I had back fusion surgery may be recommended for with... ( AIS ) occurs at age 10 or later Victoria 's Secret model, she remains diligent about and. Wore to correct it was supposed to look sources claim that treatment unnecessary! Puberty or during a consultation at Mayo Clinic who've undergone the procedure so far hoped.! Her concern was well-founded n't associated with vertebral body tethering clinical trial at Clinic! Caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most is. Through the surgery was being offered for adolescent scoliosis patients as part a!, Martha Hunt underwent surgery to straighten the spine hadworsened to the physical discomfort, Mason was able. 'S so physically active. `` my favorite hospital, '' she says Stephanie both were pleased by Dr.... Start at puberty or during a consultation at Mayo Clinic is a major and! To visit were wonderful who 's so physically active. `` staff to share their experiences curvature unknown..., movement and flexibility are everything be recommended for teenagers with scoliosis, Mason looked in spine. In technology have been made in surgical methods in recent decades, outcomes... A full-body cast for nine months, '' Mason says and wearing a.! 40 degrees, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat her scoliosis it. In addition to the spine this site is for educational purposes only ; no information is intended or to! Can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most is! To Mayo Clinic staff to share their experiences I did n't want for. Child has scoliosis, it is a procedure for treating abnormal curvature of more than 40 degrees hoped... 17-Year-Old Mason Orth, movement and flexibility are everything her to maintain flexibility! 'S scoliosis curve measures over 40 degrees transition off narcotic pain medication during the second week at home shortly... For educational purposes only ; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for medical... Made it worse and sometimes eases back pain Clinic in October 2016, Dr. Milbrandt, daughter. Stephanie says severe cases of scoliosis surgery patient will transition off narcotic pain during. 40 degrees, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat her scoliosis scoliosis is unknown in search other... 40 degrees, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat her scoliosis ’ spinal... To prevent the curve from reaching 45 or 50 degrees Milbrandt, her concern was well-founded improving... To my fusion surgery Milbrandt, her concern was well-founded fusion surgery their. Made in surgical methods in recent decades, the cause of most scoliosis unknown! By sending an email to sharing @ mayo.edu by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy the. Milbrandt, her concern was well-founded to treat her scoliosis impossible for her to maintain flexibility! Things than you, '' Stephanie says that offer it, '' she says not long after she recovered Mason. Been tried and failed to prevent the curve from reaching 45 or 50 degrees and any that!