Getting ready for scoliosis fusion: a guide for teens and parents

Who I see. Mainly older teens and young adults near or past the end of growth, and young adults moving from pediatric to adult care. Younger children who are still growing are usually cared for by a pediatric spine specialist, and our team can help with that referral.

How do we get ready for surgery?

• Come to the pre-op visit together, with your questions written down.
• Keep one medication list, including supplements.
• Plan who will be home and when, especially for the first weeks.
• Walk every day. If you use nicotine in any form, including vaping, stopping makes recovery easier.

What should we ask the surgeon?

• How long will the hospital stay likely be?
• What needs to happen before going home?
• How will pain be managed in the hospital and at home?
• When can I go back to school, gym and my sport?
• What can’t I do yet, and for how long?
• When is the first follow-up visit?
• (Teen) What should I tell my friends or coach?

What should we tell the school?

• Tell the school nurse, and plan a gradual return with the nurse and counselor.
• Ask about gym class.
• Arrange a second set of books or a locker near class.

What about sports?

After fusion surgery, most teens return to sports within about 6 to 12 months. Collision sports are usually held until about 12 months. Ask the care team about your own sport before surgery, so you can plan the season.

What is the hospital stay like?

The care team will tell you how long the stay is likely to be and what needs to happen before going home. Hard days are common and don’t mean things are going badly. Parents: keep a running list of questions for the team’s visits.

How is pain controlled?

The care team makes a pain plan for the hospital and for home. The goal is to stay ahead of pain, not to wait until it is bad. Take medicine the way the plan says, and watch for constipation. Call the practice the same day if pain is suddenly much worse or not controlled. Don’t drive while taking opioid pain medicine.

What helps at home?

• Short walks several times a day, building up gradually.
• Follow the activity limits the care team gives you. They are set for each patient.
• Expect ups and downs: tiredness, low mood and poor sleep are common.
• Worry about appearance or missing activities is common. Ask about counseling if it lasts.

When can my teen go back to school?

About three-quarters of adolescents are back at school within 3 months. Plan a gradual return with the school nurse and counselor, and arrange a second set of books or a locker near class.

What are the activity milestones?

• School: about three-quarters of teens are back within 3 months.
• Sports: most teens return within about 6 to 12 months.
• Collision sports: usually held until about 12 months.
• Everything else, such as lifting, bending, gym class and driving: the care team will give you personal instructions.

When should we call?

For concerns, call the practice at (401) 443-4270. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What follow-up visits will we have?

The care team will set the follow-up schedule and tell you when X-rays are needed. Keep copies of the X-ray images (not just the reports) and the operative report. You will need them later.

What happens when my teen becomes an adult?

Young adults who had scoliosis surgery as teens should keep checking in with an adult spine specialist. When you make that move, bring all prior X-rays (the images, not just reports), brace history and operative reports.

Read more: Teen and young adult scoliosis guide · Family and caregiver edition