Scoliosis is one of the most common deformities of the spine. Two abnormalities of the spine must be present to constitute this diagnosis, lateral curvature when the spine has an s-shaped curve, and rotation, a twisting deformity of the vertebra. When a spinal deformity is at approximately 45 degrees bend causeing pain and functional impairment, patients may require spine stabilization surgery to straighten and hold the spine in place.

What causes Scoliosis?

Approximately 80% of scoliosis cases have no known cause. A small number of cases are congenital, as a result of abnormal vertebrae development.

Treatment

To stabilize and straighten the spine neurosurgeons perform spinal fusion to join the vertebrae together with bone grafts and metallic implants.