Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a progressive deformity characterized by the lateral curvature of the spine. While follow-up and exercise may be sufficient in mild cases, surgical treatment comes to the fore in advanced curvatures.

Scoliosis surgery is an effective treatment for advanced spinal curvatures. It should be supported by a post-operative physical therapy process. Especially hydrotherapy (pool therapy) is one of the most important supportive methods that enables patients to recover faster, safer, and more comfortably.

With the multidisciplinary approach we offer in our advanced physical therapy unit, we provide our patients not only with surgery but also with a comprehensive recovery process.

When is surgery required?

Scoliosis usually appears during childhood and adolescence, but it can also be seen in adulthood. As the degree of curvature increases, it can lead to both aesthetic and functional problems.

Scoliosis surgery is generally recommended in the following cases:

• The curvature angle is above 40-50 degrees
• The curvature continues to progress
• Respiratory functions are affected
• Severe pain and posture deformity
• Cosmetic concerns and decrease in quality of life

How is scoliosis surgery performed?

Scoliosis surgery is a complex operation performed to correct and stabilize the curvature in the spine. The most common method is spinal fusion surgery.

Surgical Techniques

Spinal Fusion

Stabilization of the spine is achieved by placing bone grafts between the vertebrae.

Screw and Rod Systems

The spine is aligned and made stable using metal screws and rods.

Minimal Invasive Approaches

In some suitable cases, techniques performed with smaller incisions may be preferred.

The Surgical Process

The surgical process spans an average time frame of 4 to 8 hours, depending on the scope of the operation. For the patient’s comfort and the healthy progress of the operation, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a state of full sleep. Following the surgical intervention, a hospital stay of 4 to 7 days is anticipated for the purpose of keeping the patients under medical supervision and conducting necessary checks.

The period after discharge involves a process that requires patience. Although it is possible for the patient to gradually return to daily life, full recovery and the realization of total healing usually take about 3 to 6 months.

Risks of Scoliosis Surgery

As with every surgical procedure, scoliosis surgery has some risks. However, thanks to advanced technology and experienced teams, these risks have been significantly reduced. Possible complications are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage (rare)
• Implant problems
• Fusion failure

Post-Operative Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Success in scoliosis surgery is not limited to surgery alone. Post-operative rehabilitation plays a critical role in the patient’s return to their former life. Thanks to the advanced physical therapy programs implemented in our center, patients:

• Mobilize faster.
• Regain muscle strength.
• Correct their posture.
• Bring pain under control.

The rehabilitation process is planned individually and progresses in stages.

Early Period (0–6 Weeks)

The goal in this period is to ensure safe mobilization:

• In-bed exercises
• Breathing exercises
• Low-intensity walks

Intermediate Period (6–12 Weeks)

Work is done on muscle strength and balance:

• Core stabilization exercises
• Posture training
• Light resistance exercises

Late Period (3 Months and Beyond)

Functional movements and activities of daily living are targeted:

• Advanced strengthening
• Flexibility studies
• Sports adaptation

Hydrotherapy (Pool Therapy)

One of the most effective components of post-operative rehabilitation is hydrotherapy, also known as pool therapy. It provides a great advantage especially for patients after scoliosis surgery.

The water environment lightens the load on the spine by reducing gravity. In this way, the patient can move more safely and painlessly. Main benefits:

• Reduces the load on the spine.
• Reduces pain.
• Resolves muscle spasms.
• Increases mobility.
• Provides the opportunity for safe exercise.

Even though the spine is stabilized after scoliosis surgery, the surrounding muscles need to be strengthened. Exercises performed in water:

• Work the muscles in a balanced way.
• Support the regaining of posture.
• Eliminate the risk of falling.

Life After Scoliosis Surgery

Although the recovery process after scoliosis surgery varies depending on the patient’s general health status and the surgical technique applied, it progresses within a certain recovery schedule. The hospital stay that starts immediately after the surgery usually lasts 3 to 5 days. At this stage, especially to support blood circulation and protect lung health, patients take their first steps under expert supervision the day after the operation. Pain management provided intravenously in the first days is replaced by oral medications when reaching the discharge stage, keeping the patient’s comfort at the highest level.

In the period after leaving the hospital, wound care and routine checks carry great importance. While the need for suture removal is eliminated thanks to the aesthetic and dissolvable sutures used in modern surgical methods, dressings are renewed every few days according to the doctor’s recommendation. Generally, bathing is allowed when full recovery is achieved on the 10th-14th days after the operation. The follow-up process begins with critical checks on the 15th day and 6th week after surgery; in the following period, the success of the spinal fusion is closely monitored with X-rays taken at the 3rd month, 6th month, and 1st year checks.

The speed of returning to social life and working order is shaped by the nature of the work the patient does. Desk workers can start work in 4 to 6 weeks, while in business lines requiring physical strength, this period can extend up to 6 months. To ensure the recovery is permanent, heavy lifting, sudden turning, and uncontrolled bending movements should be strictly avoided, especially for the first 3 months. Regular walks are the most fundamental supporters of the healing process; while light swimming exercises can be started from the 2nd month, waiting at least 1 year for heavy contact sports and adhering to the physical therapy program is vital for the long-term success of the surgery.