Scoliosis Surgery Istanbul
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity with lateral spinal curvature and, in some patients, vertebral rotation. Mild curves may be followed with observation, exercise and in some cases bracing, while advanced or progressive curves may require surgical evaluation. The aim of scoliosis surgery is to help control curve progression, improve spinal balance, support trunk symmetry and contribute to quality of life. Treatment decision is made by evaluating Cobb angle, age, growth potential, pain status, neurological findings and overall health together.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine when viewed from the front. In some patients, vertebral rotation accompanies the curve. Therefore, scoliosis should be evaluated as a three-dimensional spinal deformity rather than only a side curvature. It may present in childhood, adolescence or adulthood.
What Are Scoliosis Symptoms?
- Asymmetry in shoulder height
- One shoulder blade appearing more prominent
- Waistline asymmetry
- Trunk appearing shifted to one side
- Clothes fitting asymmetrically
- Back or lower back pain
- Fatigue during prolonged standing
- Possible respiratory impact in advanced cases
- Leg pain or neural compression symptoms in adults
What Are the Types of Scoliosis?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Often recognized during adolescence. Progression risk should be monitored while growth continues.
Adult scoliosis
May reflect progression of earlier scoliosis or develop with age-related degenerative spinal changes.
Congenital scoliosis
May result from developmental differences in vertebral formation.
Neuromuscular scoliosis
May occur secondary to muscle or nervous system disorders.
How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines physical examination, posture analysis and spinal radiographs. Curve magnitude is typically measured using the Cobb angle. MRI, CT or additional imaging may be used when needed.
- Curve magnitude
- Curve location
- Spinal balance
- Growth potential
- Pain and neurological findings
- Respiratory impact
- Previous treatments
Treatment Process
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- 3D Imaging
- Modern Surgical Techniques
- Rehabilitation Program
Who May Be Suitable for Scoliosis Surgery?
- Patients with advanced spinal curvature
- Patients with progression on serial follow-up
- Patients with marked trunk imbalance
- Patients with reduced quality of life related to scoliosis
- Adults with scoliosis-associated pain or neural compression
- Patients with acceptable general health and evaluated surgical risk
Who May Not Be Suitable for Scoliosis Surgery?
- Mild and non-progressive curves
- Serious comorbidities with high surgical risk
- Active infection
- Severely impaired bone quality
- Patients suitable for non-surgical follow-up or bracing
- Patients whose general condition is not fit for surgery
Book Appointment
Contact via WhatsAppTreatment Options Table
| Treatment Approach | Typically Considered For | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Observation | Mild curves with low progression risk | Monitor whether curvature progresses |
| Exercise and rehabilitation | Patients needing postural, muscular and functional support | Support muscle control, posture awareness and quality of life |
| Bracing | Suitable patients still growing with progression risk | Help slow curvature progression |
| Scoliosis surgery | Advanced, progressive or quality-of-life-limiting curves | Improve spinal balance and control progression |
When May Scoliosis Surgery Be Needed?
Surgical decision is not based on curve degree alone. Age, growth status, progression rate, spinal balance, pain, respiratory impact and daily-life limitations should be evaluated together.
- Advanced curve magnitude
- Progression during follow-up
- Marked trunk imbalance
- Pain and functional decline
- Advanced deformity affecting respiratory capacity
- Neural compression or walking problems in adult scoliosis
- Progression despite bracing or follow-up care
How Is Scoliosis Surgery Performed?
One of the most common techniques is spinal fusion with instrumentation. Curved segments are guided toward safer balance using pedicle screws, rods and bone graft support. The goal is not absolute straightening; it is safe and balanced correction.
Recovery After Scoliosis Surgery
Recovery varies with age, curve severity, surgical method, fusion levels and overall health. Early-phase pain management, mobilization, wound care and regular follow-up are important.
Are There Risks in Scoliosis Surgery?
As with any major surgery, scoliosis surgery has potential risks. Risk level varies by age, curve type, surgical extent, comorbidities and spinal anatomy.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Risk of neural injury
- Screw or implant-related problems
- Fusion healing issues
- Pain or motion limitation
- Need for revision surgery
Scoliosis Surgery Evaluation with Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar
Scoliosis surgery decision should be individualized. Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar evaluates imaging, Cobb angle, neurological examination, pain profile, balance analysis and quality of life together to build a personalized plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
At which degree is scoliosis surgery considered?
Decision is not made by degree alone. In severe curves around 45-50 degrees and above, surgical evaluation may be considered with age, growth and progression factors.
Does every scoliosis patient need surgery?
No. In mild non-progressive scoliosis, observation, exercise or bracing may be considered. Decision is individualized.
Is scoliosis surgery risky?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, neural injury, implant issues or revision need. Risk profile differs by patient.
How long does recovery take after scoliosis surgery?
Recovery timeline varies by age, curve severity, surgical technique and overall health status. Individual evaluation is required.
Can adults undergo scoliosis surgery?
In adult scoliosis, surgery may be considered when pain, neural compression, gait limitation or imbalance is present. Decision depends on health status and spinal structure.
Internal Link Suggestions
Op. Dr. Fatih Kırar offers personalized treatment options in brain, nerve and spine surgery based on symptoms, imaging and neurological examination. In scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis and spinal deformity cases, planning is made through specialist evaluation.