Revision Fusion T3-L4 & Thorocoplasty, Flexibility & Cosmetic

[cgcannon]

OK, so I believe that this year is the year for my revision surgery. In 1989 I was 9 years old and had my first scoliosis surgery in which I had T4-L2 fused. It really held well and looked good until my early 20s when I started to noticed changes in my posture. The lumbar region of my spine continued to curve and my right rib hump increased in size. I can no longer deal with the deformity, and after visiting 4 scoliosis specialists, I have settled on one in Charlotte about an hour and a half from my home in Greensboro. My appointment is on March 19th, and at this visit, I'm going to ask my final questions and schedule the surgery for sometime this year. I have had mixed feelings over the last year about the pros and cons of having this done simply due to cosmetic reasons, but I can no longer take it. I want it to look better. I remember the significant pain and discomfort I was in during my first surgery, and I'm willing to take a couple of weeks or months of that, if it is going to create less deformity in my back. My biggest concern is fusing additional vertebrae. According to the doctor they would fuse from T3 to L4. I asked about how my flexibility would be impacted and he said it would some, but I would still have my crucial L4 & L5 which is what you use for bending easility. I'd like to find out from people who have had fusions to L4, if your flexibility has been significantly compromised, or if you still have flexibility at the waist? Also, anyone have thoughts on having scoliosis surgery for purely cosmetic reasons?

[Leslie7]

I sent you a private message!

[Karen Ocker]

If your curves are progressing as you indicate then surgery is not just for "cosmetic reasons" ; a prime reason for surgery is progression. The curves will progress unless stopped and sooner is better than later.
My personal opinion is, from my own experience, is the more the curves show the more unhealthy they are.
Improved appearance is a side effect of curve reduction. :)

[rainbow2010]

I was fused to L5 and still had a lot of flexibility. My 17 year old daughter is fused to L3 and she dances (ballet, modern, jazz) every day. There are some dance moves that she cannot do, but when she dances, you wouldn't know she had surgery! How much flexibility you have after surgery depends on how much you had before and how far down they fuse. ;)

[cgcannon]

Thanks, very much for your responses. They are very helpful, as I make these difficult decisions.