← Return to Adult Scoliosis: What is surgery like? Outcomes? Recovery?

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Profile picture for clfingerblair @clfingerblair

I am taking in the information you all have provided. I was diagnosed when I was 12 (1962) and wore a Milwaukee brace for four years. My curve was improved from 68˚ (I think) to 32˚...5'2" to 5'7.5". About 1998 I saw a spine specialist at the Spine Center, my curve measured 46˚. Well, now at 75yrs I am experiencing pain in my right hip radiating down into my leg and foot. I have consulted with two orthopedic doctors and will be consulting with an ortho surgeon regarding spine correction July 29th. I am tussling with the give and take when it comes to tossing the dice with surgery in these last years of life.

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Replies to "I am taking in the information you all have provided. I was diagnosed when I was..."

Hi CL,
I am 67 and just had spine surgery by Jeremy Fogelson at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Others on this site have had surgery at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona by Dr. McClendon--also with good results.( I am not certain about their age).
For a second opinion, you may want to contact whichever site is closest to you, and send off the requested records, to see if they would accept you as a patient. (Make certain they accept your insurance).

I have a somewhat similar background-- diagnosed with Scoliosis at age of 9-- did PT--curves progressed. Was in a Milwaukee Back Brace for three years --approx. 13 to 16. By 19, my upper curve progressed to 74 lower 46 or 47. Underwent a T2 to L2 spinal fusion with a Harrington Rod implant,, after being in traction for 12 days. They got my upper curve down to 47/46, I can't remember what my lower curve was reduced to.
Amazingly, my prior back surgery and the rod have been fine for these 48 years.

In 2022, I started to have pain generated from the vertebrae below my prior fusion. The pain became chronic and I knew I did not want to live in constant pain. I met with Dr.
Dr.Fogelson in 2024 and had surgery in May 2025. I was immediately relieved of my chronic back pain--just had to deal with surgical related pain that greatly reduced around 5 weeks.
The recovery process is long. I need to lay down on ice multiple times a day. (almost 9 weeks since surgery) and I cannot sit for very long--but this is getting better. I still have some right leg radicular pain, but this should go away as the doctor was able to free up all my nerves that were being pinched. Walking feels great and I can easily walk a mile.
One factor that delayed my surgery was that I have Osteoporosis and had to be on a Bone building drug for a year.
Sorry for the ramble.
Good luck in making your decision.!
Nadine