Scoliosis in North Texas

Most spine surgeons would agree that children who have very severe scoliosis curves (45 – 50° and higher) will need surgery to decrease the curve and prevent it from getting worse. The standard technique for scoliosis surgery is a spinal fusion. The goal of the fusion is to realign and fuse the curve so that it can heal into a single, solid bone, preventing the curve from increasing over time and causing more significant issues. Recent advances in the surgical industry allow well-trained spine surgeons to complete this surgery in a minimally invasive manner in most situations. The founder of Spine Care of North Texas, Dr. Kendall Carll, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon with 15 years of experience performing spinal fusions for the treatment of scoliosis.

A minimally invasive surgery technique is not an appropriate solution for every scoliosis patient. The surgery is typically suggested when the scoliosis curvature lies in the patient’s thoracic spine. An open, invasive procedure may be used for curves in the mid to lower back as well as the lower back. Dr. Carll will assess your situation and age to determine which technique and treatment are correct for your situation. Patients whose scoliosis has not reached 45 – 50° of curvature may be more suited for conservative treatment methods, or perhaps a back brace. Only a spine surgeon can determine whether you are an ideal candidate for spine surgery.

Scoliosis surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. To perform minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (an endoscopic procedure), a few small incisions will be made in the spine through which thin telescopic instruments will be inserted, as well as a small camera. The endoscope will assist Dr. Carll in obtaining internal images of your body throughout the operation, helping him to visualize the surgery as he performs it. Dr. Carll will remove the thin membrane that protects the spinal cavity to access the spine before removing the curved discs. Next, screws will be fixed to the vertebrae and a bone graft, or bone graft substitute, is incorporated to promote successful fusion. Finally, a specially made rod is attached to the screws and the vertebra, the endoscope is removed, and the incisions are closed.

The spine will look much straighter immediately following surgery, but some curve will remain. It is common for patients to feel discomfort following surgery that can be controlled with prescription pain medication. While patients can often return to school or sedentary activity within the same month, it is not uncommon for complete healing to take six months or longer. The spine itself could take three months or more to fuse together and straighten. Dr. Carll will likely recommend the use of a back brace after surgery to help you heal effectively. The degree of final correction will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the surgery and your overall health.

Spine Care of North Texas hopes to prevent the need for surgery in most situations. Dr. Carll and his support staff choose conservative methods of treatment whenever possible to help prevent further pain or worsening back conditions. However, sometimes surgery is the only feasible solution. Dr. Carll has years of experience performing spinal fusion for the treatment of severe scoliosis and can help you or your loved one improve the condition. To schedule a consultation, contact one of our North Texas offices in Addison or Plano, TX.