What is scoliosis surgery?
Treats selected spinal curves and imbalance when progression, pain, function, or neurologic compromise warrants correction. Dr. Merola plans correction from standing full-spine imaging and may use posterior, anterior, or combined techniques with implants and fusion across the levels that require correction.
Conditions it treats
Am I a candidate?
Candidacy depends on curve type and progression, balance, symptoms, age, bone health, prior surgery, and whether nonoperative care can maintain acceptable function.
How the diagnosis and surgical level are confirmed
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curve, and the operative question differs between a growing patient and an adult with degeneration or prior treatment. Standing images assess pattern, flexibility, progression, balance, and skeletal maturity when relevant. The evaluation also separates symptoms from focal stenosis, hip disease, and other sources. Prior films establish whether a curve is changing rather than relying on one measurement. Fusion levels and correction maneuvers balance the structural curve and alignment against preservation of useful mobile segments; stopping too short can leave poor balance, while extending fusion sacrifices motion. Hospital priorities include neurologic checks, breathing and walking, wound care, nausea control, and bowel recovery. Students may need shorter days and load limits; public-safety and manual work adds collision, lifting, and fall demands. The goal is a safe, proportionate correction rather than a perfectly straight spine. Residual curve, loss of motion, nonunion, implant problems, or adjacent degeneration can affect long-term function.
How Dr. Merola performs scoliosis surgery
Dr. Merola plans correction from standing full-spine imaging and may use posterior, anterior, or combined techniques with implants and fusion across the levels that require correction.
Recovery timeline and returning to work
Recovery includes hospital care, progressive walking, rehabilitation, and months of bone healing. Return to school, desk work, or physical work follows an individualized schedule.
Alternatives and related procedures
Observation, therapy, bracing in appropriate younger patients, targeted decompression, or limited fusion may be alternatives depending on the curve and symptoms.
Scoliosis Surgery risks and outcomes
Risks include infection, blood loss, neurologic injury, nonunion, implant complications, loss of correction, adjacent-segment problems, and further surgery.
Related spine procedures
Spinal Deformity Surgery
Corrects selected alignment problems through anterior, posterior, or combined reconstruction.
Compare procedure →Spinal Fracture Stabilization
Protects the spinal cord and restores stability or alignment after selected cervical, thoracic, or lumbar fractures.
Compare procedure →Spinal Implants
Explains how screws, rods, plates, cages, artificial discs, and other implants support a specific reconstruction.
Compare procedure →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether I need scoliosis surgery?
Candidacy depends on curve type and progression, balance, symptoms, age, bone health, prior surgery, and whether nonoperative care can maintain acceptable function. The decision follows a direct examination and review of imaging, symptoms, prior care, health, and functional limits.
What happens during scoliosis surgery?
Dr. Merola plans correction from standing full-spine imaging and may use posterior, anterior, or combined techniques with implants and fusion across the levels that require correction. The exact levels and approach are individualized, and Dr. Merola performs the operation personally.
How long is recovery after scoliosis surgery?
Recovery includes hospital care, progressive walking, rehabilitation, and months of bone healing. Return to school, desk work, or physical work follows an individualized schedule. Timing still varies with the approach, levels treated, healing, neurologic findings, and job demands.
What are the alternatives to scoliosis surgery?
Observation, therapy, bracing in appropriate younger patients, targeted decompression, or limited fusion may be alternatives depending on the curve and symptoms. Non-surgical care may remain reasonable when the examination and imaging support it.
What risks should I understand before scoliosis surgery?
Risks include infection, blood loss, neurologic injury, nonunion, implant complications, loss of correction, adjacent-segment problems, and further surgery. Symptoms may improve incompletely, and additional care or surgery may be needed. No result is guaranteed.
Additional reading
Trusted sources for going deeper. These sites are independent of the practice.
- MedlinePlus.Spine Injuries and Disorders. MedlinePlus.
Independent patient information related to this procedure or the conditions it treats.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo.Spinal Fusion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo.
Independent patient information related to this procedure or the conditions it treats.
References
- Spine Injuries and Disorders. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/spineinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Spinal Fusion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/
Educational content prepared July 2026. This page is educational and does not create a doctor-patient relationship.