Spinal Fusion Surgery
en español: Operación de fusión espinal
Medically reviewed by: Suken A. Shah, MD
and
Bernadette Fulweiler, APN
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Doctors do spinal fusion surgery to help 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 teens with scoliosis don't need medical treatment. Others will wear a brace to keep the spine from developing more of a curve.