Scoliosis Surgery

When a child needs scoliosis surgery, families want to know they’re in the best hands. At CHOC, now part of Rady Children’s Health, our nationally ranked orthopedic institute combines advanced surgical care with a setting built around kids and teens, giving families the guidance and reassurance they need along the way.

What is scoliosis surgery?

Scoliosis surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure used to treat children and teens with scoliosis, or a severe curvature of the spine. At CHOC, our highly experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeons specialize in pediatric scoliosis surgery, using growing rods for younger children who are still growing, as well as spinal fusion with customized rods for teens. 

Scoliosis normally does not go away on its own without treatment. We treat scoliosis by stabilizing and correcting the spine with the latest techniques and surgical expertise. For younger children, this may involve the use of growing rods that expand as the child grows. For teens and older patients, our surgeons often recommend spinal fusion for scoliosis, which involves fusing the vertebrae and placing customized spinal rods to improve spinal alignment and long-term outcomes.

By combining leading-edge surgical techniques with a hospital environment built for kids and teens, CHOC provides families with expert care and support throughout the entire scoliosis surgery process. 

Why choose CHOC for scoliosis surgery

Families choose CHOC for scoliosis surgery because of our leadership in pediatric orthopedic care and our use of advanced technology designed for growing patients. 

• Customized spinal rods: CHOC was among the first hospitals in the nation to offer personalized spinal rods for children and teens undergoing spinal fusion. These rods are individually designed and manufactured before surgery, which can improve spinal correction and long-term results. 

• Surgical planning with 3D software: Our surgeons use sophisticated software to model each scoliosis surgery in advance. This allows them to simulate the procedure, prepare for every detail, and share the plan with families so they know what to expect. 

• Quality-focused outcomes: We continually implement hospital-wide quality initiatives that benefit children recovering from scoliosis surgery, including shorter hospital stays, reduced complications, and improved emotional well-being. 

By combining innovative surgical devices, advanced planning tools, and a strong focus on patient recovery, CHOC offers one of the most comprehensive scoliosis surgery programs in Southern California. 

For more information about what to expect during scoliosis surgery, download our Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Guide 

Preparing for scoliosis surgery

Preparation is an important part of a successful scoliosis surgery. At CHOC, we guide families through every step, so children feel supported and ready for their procedure. 

Pre-surgery tour

A week or two before their surgery, you and your child will have the opportunity to take a pre-surgery tour with a child life specialist, who will familiarize you with our hospital and explain everything you can expect. Your doctor will help you arrange a tour.

Medication guidelines 

One week before surgery, your child should not take any aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve or any aspirin-containing medicines. Tylenol or acetaminophen is okay. Your doctor will tell you how long to avoid food or drink prior to surgery. In most cases, we recommend no food or drink after midnight the night before.

Infection prevention

For the two nights before their surgery, you will need to wash your back with a special soap that helps prevent infections. This soap is called Hibiclens and is available at any pharmacy without a prescription. Learn how to wash your back prior to surgery.

Hospital packing list

Pack a suitcase for your child to bring to the hospital. We recommend packing the following items:

• Comfortable, loose clothes like gym shorts, yoga pants or pajamas. Make sure you bring tops that don’t have buttons or zippers in the back. We will provide them slippers, but you may also bring your own.
• A favorite pillow, blanket or stuffed animal to make their stay more comfortable.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Comb or brush.
• Books, magazines, music, a laptop/tablet, games and other items to keep them occupied. All of our rooms have WiFi available.
• Movies, as many of our rooms have DVD players.
• Because of the medications used for surgery, many girls have their menstrual cycle while in the hospital, and you may want to bring feminine hygiene products just in case.

Day of surgery and checking-in

On the day of your surgery, we recommend that those with long hair wear their hair in pigtails or two French braids on either side of their head. They will spend a lot of time lying on their back over the next few days, and this will keep the back of their head comfortable and their hair untangled. Ensure the patient does not wear any jewelry on the day of their surgery.

CHOC Hospital – Orange is located at 1201 W. La Veta Ave. in Orange, CA. When you arrive, use the main entrance near the intersection of Pepper Street and La Veta Avenue. Parking is available immediately west of the hospital, with valet service offered at the entrance. 

Check in at the Admitting desk on the first floor near the main entrance. Please bring your insurance card. After registration, you will be escorted to the Procedure Center on the third floor. 

Although your child may be in the hospital for an extended stay, we recommend leaving their suitcase in the car until after surgery. This makes it easier to keep track of belongings while your child gets settled. 

What happens before scoliosis surgery

Once you have arrived at the Procedure Center, your child will be checked into a pre-op room where they will meet their Getting Ready nurse. He or she will help your child prepare for their surgery. The patient will change into a hospital gown, and then their height, weight, blood pressure, and temperature will be taken to make sure they are healthy for surgery. Their nurse will also insert the IV. At CHOC, we use numbing techniques that help minimize the pain of having a shot or needle inserted.

It may seem like you’re waiting a long time in the pre-op room, but this is so the surgery team can get everything prepared for your child. You will be introduced to your child’s surgeon and anesthesiologist at this time. You are welcome to bring a book, tablet or game for your child to stay occupied and keep their mind off of your surgery. We ask that you limit the number of visitors in this room to parents or guardians, so that the child can stay at ease.

When it’s time for your surgery, you will say goodbye and they will be wheeled into the operating room, where they will be given an anesthetic. The anesthesiologist will be at the head of their bed throughout the entire procedure, to make sure they always have enough of this medicine to stay asleep.

You will wait in the Procedure Center lobby and be updated on their progress regularly during the surgery. You can also watch your progress on our digital tracking board in the waiting room. Once given the go ahead, you can ask for a beeper and visit the amenities on the second floor while you wait. Parents are asked to remain on campus during surgery.

How long is scoliosis surgery?

Typically, scoliosis surgery will take 5-7 hours, but this will vary based on the individual patient. 

What happens after scoliosis surgery?

When the patient wakes up from surgery, they will be lying on their back in a bed in a recovery room. Anesthesia has different effects on different patients, and they may wake up feeling grumpy, sad, confused or nauseous. A tube similar to an IV will be inserted in their neck and will be removed the next day. They will also wake up with a catheter inserted into their bladder, so they don’t have to get up to go to the bathroom. This will be removed after they are able to walk and use the restroom. The bed they are in will be their bed throughout the rest of their hospital stay.

Recovering from scoliosis surgery in the hospital

Our goal is to complete their recovery in the hospital in 3 days, though recovery time is different for every situation.

After surgery, you can visit you in the recovery room until they’re ready to be moved to their hospital room on the third floor for the rest of their recovery. In most cases, we are able to provide them with a private room to give your child privacy and comfort. You can continue to stay with your child in their room. Additional visitors are welcome between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. At the beginning of their stay, we recommend limiting visitors so they can get rest.

Pain management after scoliosis surgery

Scoliosis surgery is a painful procedure. We try to keep them as comfortable as possible, but we need your help. You must be very honest with their nurses and doctors and tell them how your child is feeling. For many patients, the third day of recovery is when they begin to feel better and have gotten through the worst.

Their pain medication, at first, will be administered through a PCA pump – this stands for Patient-Controlled Analgesia pump. The patient will be given a remote that gives them pain medicine at the push of a button. There are limits that prevent them from taking too much medicine. Only your child must administer their medicine, not you. After several days with the PCA, they will be transitioned to oral pain medication. Your child may also be given pain medication through an ON-Q pump. This pump is a portable system that delivers numbing medicine to their surgery site.

Our child life specialists will be available to help you at any time, and they are skilled at helping you cope with pain using guided imagery, deep breathing and distraction. Download our coping kit for pain management techniques.

Physical Therapy after scoliosis surgery

A physical therapist will visit them two or three times a day, each time helping them move a little bit more. Moving around after surgery is very important to help their body heal, minimize pain and have bowel movements.

Their physical therapist will start by simply showing them how to roll over in bed, and slowly, they will graduate to getting out of bed, walking to the door and walking down the hallway or up stairs.

Managing constipation after surgery

Another normal side effect is constipation. In the days leading up to their surgery, try to avoid foods like breads and pastas that might add to the constipation, and try to make sure they eat as many fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables as they can. We can help get their bowels moving by using a suppository.

Food and appetite

Due to the medicines they will be on, it’s very normal not to feel hungry or desire the foods they usually like. Our dietitians will help them get the nutrients they need and slowly get them back to their normal diet. Room service is conveniently available from your room. Guests may also order from the menu for a $5 fee.

Preventing boredom during recovery

They will be in the hospital for several days, and boredom can often make them more anxious or increase their pain. At CHOC, we have created an environment for children where they can enjoy pet therapy, a teen room, Seacrest Studio, gaming systems and laptops, and more. We also recommend that you bring their favorite books, games, movies and music to keep them occupied.

Scoliosis recovery at home

Recovering at home after scoliosis surgery takes time and care. The following tips will help guide you through the first several weeks of healing and make sure you know what to expect: 

<strong>Plan for rest and schooling:</strong> Your child’s recovery at home after scoliosis surgery will take 4–6 weeks. It is normal for them to feel very tired, and they should rest whenever they need to. During this time, home-schooling or tutoring will likely be needed. Your doctor can provide a letter for the school to help set this up. 

• Care for their incision properly: Their surgery incisions will take time to heal, and preventing infection is very important. They may have gauze and tape on their back, or thin strips on their skin. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow all instructions from their doctor. If you notice a fever above 101.5 degrees, drainage, redness, or increasing pain, call their doctor right away. To reduce scarring, avoid too much sun on the scar and use sunscreen when appropriate. 

• Support their body with the right foods: Constipation is common for a short time after surgery. Over-the-counter laxatives and fiber-rich foods like prune juice can help. Their body will also need plenty of protein and Vitamin C to heal properly, so make sure those are part of their diet. 

• Confirm when they can shower: Most patients can take a shower about two weeks after surgery but check with their doctor first. Ensure your child does not take baths in a tub until the wound is completely healed. 

• Stay active in safe ways:Their physical therapist will guide them on how to move at home to help their recovery. Aim to have them walk at least 30 minutes a day, even if they need to split it into smaller sessions. Avoid twisting or rotating their spine until three months after surgery. After three months, light activities such as treadmill walking, swimming, or using an elliptical or exercise bike are usually fine. Avoid gym classes or team sports for up to six months. 
   
• Postpone dental visits when possible:</strong> If you can, avoid going to the dentist for six months after surgery. If they must go sooner, ask their dentist for antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.