Hi, I am new to the forum but I have been reading it for some time. It has been so helpful. My daughter, 14, is scheduled for surgery 12/8. She has a 47* thorocolumbar curve. She was first diagnosed two years ago at 33*, wore a brace for a little over a year that seemed to hold it. When she stopped with the brace, it progressed 14* in six months even though she had stopped growing. Her surgeon is planning to fuse T12-L3, possibly L4. He is not trying to completely correct the curve - something like 50% -as she has a tilted pelvis and difference in leg lengths and needs some curve to balance those issues. It sounds like her fusion will be much shorter than what most patients I read about here seem to be getting. We discussed both anterior and posterior, drs think they are equally good options in her case. We opted for posterior. I am worried about her flexibility after surgery for the rest of her life. Dr says she won't be able to do situps (but crunches yes) or arch her back. She might be able to touch her toes, or close, or she might not be able to bend like that. Does anyone have experience with fusion in this T12-L3/4 area?
I am really worried about everything right now. We could wait another 6 months or year and see what happens, but dr thinks it is definitely progressive and eventually will need surgery. We did get a second opinion who was in agreement with our surgeon on all issues. My daughter wants to get it over with and move on. I am so torn and worried, of course, about all the things that could go wrong. Even if all goes right, I am worried about her pain through the recovery. Thank you for listening, and any feedback will be much appreciated.
I am really worried about everything right now. We could wait another 6 months or year and see what happens, but dr thinks it is definitely progressive and eventually will need surgery. We did get a second opinion who was in agreement with our surgeon on all issues. My daughter wants to get it over with and move on. I am so torn and worried, of course, about all the things that could go wrong. Even if all goes right, I am worried about her pain through the recovery. Thank you for listening, and any feedback will be much appreciated.
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