I've been wondering what will be the long term effects of having scoliosis surgery now with the improvements in hardware? It's evident that a lot of people who had the surgery 20 years ago or longer are now having degenerative disease in the unfused portion of the spine. Also a lot of people have problems with the hardware and require revision surgery and still have problems. What can this generation of kids expect in 20 years or more? Has anyone ever discussed this with their physician and received any feedback?
I am not trying to question anyone's decision concerning their own child, I am wondering for my own daughter. Her scoliosis is very aggressive and she may need surgery in the future but I worry that she could reach my age or even younger and start having problems related to the surgery. Her primary curve is in the lumbar area and I heard there is even more wear and tear on the unfused vertebrae when the lumbar is fused. My daughter is not in any pain and looks pretty balanced, I don't even think anyone could tell if they didn't know. That's why I haven't felt compelled to pursue surgery.
Any studies or comments would be appreciated.
Sherie
I am not trying to question anyone's decision concerning their own child, I am wondering for my own daughter. Her scoliosis is very aggressive and she may need surgery in the future but I worry that she could reach my age or even younger and start having problems related to the surgery. Her primary curve is in the lumbar area and I heard there is even more wear and tear on the unfused vertebrae when the lumbar is fused. My daughter is not in any pain and looks pretty balanced, I don't even think anyone could tell if they didn't know. That's why I haven't felt compelled to pursue surgery.
Any studies or comments would be appreciated.
Sherie
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