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What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Doctors do spinal fusion surgery to help kids and teens with scoliosis or other spine problems.

It's called "fusion" because the surgery lets two or more bones in the spine (called vertebrae) fuse (grow together) into one solid bone. This straightens the spine and prevents the curve from getting worse over time.

Why Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Done?

Many kids with scoliosis don't need medical treatment. Others wear a brace to keep scoliosis from getting worse.

But some kids may need need spinal fusion surgery because:

  • They have curves that can get too large for bracing.
  • They're too old and their spines have finished growing. 
  • They have a type of scoliosis that can't be helped with a brace.

The surgery will straighten the curve as much as possible and stop it from getting worse.