Scoliosis Surgery: Posterior Approach

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.