Spinal Fusion Health Article

Alternatives

Bracing and "watchful waiting" is the alternative to scoliosis surgery. Disk surgery without fusion is possible for some patients. Strengthening exercises and physical therapy may help some back pain patients avoid back surgery.

See also Bone grafting; Disk removal.

BOOKS

Neuwirth, M.D., Michael. The Scoliosis Sourcebook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.

PERIODICALS

Robinson, Richard. "Setting the Record Straight." Quest Magazine 4, no.1 (1997). <http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q41scoliosis.html>

ORGANIZATIONS

National Scoliosis Foundation. (800) NSF-MYBACK (673-6922). <http://www.scoliosis.org>.

Richard Robinson

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Spinal fusion is performed by an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon in a hospital setting.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• How long will hospitalization be necessary?
• Will patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) be used for pain?
• How soon can the normal regime of school or work be resumed?
• What outcome is expected?
• Is there an alternative to surgery?