An adult with a spinal deformity, be it an idiopathic scoliosis from the teen years, a degenerative scoliosis curve as a mature adult or kyphosis, there are 3 conditions that a surgeon looks for in order to consider a patient a good candidate for a spinal fusion.
1. Pain- Is the person experiencing a great deal of physical pain and is that pain keeping them from normal daily functions?
2. Progressive Deformity-is the curvature increasing and at what rate is it increasing?
3. Spinal Compression is taking place.
If any one of three conditions exists, and in most cases there is a mix of more than one, a person can reasonably consider a spinal fusion surgery to treat their condition. It should be the last effort taken. If a condition can be treated with physical therapy or injections, it is much more preferable than undergoing a spinal fusion. The reasoning is that the surgery itself is a large undertaking and requires a person to be in good health to recover well from it, and once a spine is fused, it alters its functioning for life. Spinal fusion does not completely eliminate pain and curvature. It can provide significant relief and correction for an improved quality of life.
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