Scoliosis Surgery: Posterior Approach

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Topic Overview

The posterior approach for scoliosis surgery is done from the back of the body. It involves making a long, straight incision into the back and moving aside the back muscles to reveal the spine.

Rods, wires, hooks, or screws are attached to the spine in various ways. The spine is repositioned and held in place with these mechanisms while the new bone surface fuses. Bone grafts, often taken from the person's pelvic bone or ribs, are put in place to help the spinal bones fuse together in a permanent position over time.

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ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Specialist Medical ReviewerRobert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

Current as ofMarch 21, 2017

Current as of: March 21, 2017