Adult Scoliosis Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Waguespack is one of the few surgeons regionally who treats adult scoliosis using a state-of-the-art technique where screws are anchored to the spine and to long rods.
The rods hold the spine in place and correct alignment, while added bone material fuses together with existing bone in proper alignment. Once the bone fuses, the spine does not move and the curvature of the spine cannot worsen, thus fighting the forces of nature.

The rods act as a temporary splint to hold the spine in place while the bone fuses together. After the spine is fused, the bone (not the rods) holds the spine in place. However, the rods are generally not removed since this is a major surgery and removal is not necessary. Occasionally a rod can irritate the soft tissue around the spine, and if this happens, Dr. Waguespack can remove the rod.

There are two general approaches to scoliosis surgery: a posterior approach (from the back of the spine) and an anterior approach (from the front or side of the spine). Dr. Waguespack will make specific recommendations for surgery based on the degree of curvature, flexibility of the spine, and the location of the curve.