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Anyone have scoliosis surgery after age 60? Outcome?
Spine Health | Last Active: Sep 18 10:42am | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
I am a female 77 years old. About five years ago, I had a two level laminectomy in my lower back. Last year after experiencing several years of excruciating pain not being able to walk more than 30 feet without having to sit, stenosis, scoliosis , and degenerative back disease I had surgery. It was done in June 2025, I had a T-9 thru pelvis fusion. I have never had any pain since the surgery with the exception of the surgical pain itself!! I can stand tall and without pain,
In January 2026, it was discovered that I needed to have cervical surgery C-7 ACDF.
Again, no pain only surgical pain and not too harsh. I wore a hard collar followed by a soft collar for 4 months.
I have my life back, my art making, book clubs, my outings with friends, travel to California by plane alone. I don’t play tennis or pickleball but the pool and walking my dog are therapy multiple times a week . I’m driving again. I live independently in my home alone. With alittle gardening to come.
I had no quality of life before the surgery. I am so grateful to my surgeon Dr. Nyguen with Kennedy White Orthopedics in Sarasota Florida. He is very well respected and explains the process, recovery restrictions and answers any concerns I have. He has empathy and compassion and focussed time in our rechecks. His office team responds to calls quickly. Its been a year of back recovery and Dr. Nyguen continues to scan when necessary and x-ray before our 6 week appointments.
We all have to decide what is our life giving us, I wanted my life to be more, and less pain.
Research the drs and ask all the questions you need to feel safe.
I am very pleased with my 77 year old body!
Replies to "I am a female 77 years old. About five years ago, I had a two level..."
Hi Leslie, I’m 62 with severe scoliosis. I was diagnosed at 12 years old. I wore a brace about 5 years. 3 years of 23 hrs per day and 2 years of nights only. When my first doctor mentioned surgery, my parents took me to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an evaluation. They prescribed an intense fitness program. PT with ballet and proper nutrition. None of which ended the pain long term, but my parents were terrified of surgery. My parents then added chiropractors into the treatment and the relief was immediate. If I had followed the regimen exactly I would have done much better. Over the years, I have gone back and forth on whether to go through with the surgery. I’ve gotten different opinions from various doctors including a neurologist and the overall consensus has been not to get the surgery. However, there are so many factors, I have osteopenia which comes with other serious risk. I did consult with a Neurosurgeon who advised me against any surgery. He said surgery should be my absolute last resort. This means, when nothing else works and it’s become absolutely necessary. I just recommend that you get input from the Mayo or else get multiple opinions from various doctors who deal with the spine. My best input has been from doctors who weren’t surgeons. That being said, I would pray on this and do your own research. Surgeon’s will tell you that it’s a must do, but when you ask them what the possible complications are they sometimes change their opinions. Praying for you to make a decision that brings you peace.
@leslie77
Hi, I'm scheduled for POR pelvis to T10 in a month. One day for an ALIF and then the POR (posterior open reconstruction). Please tell me about how the recovery was for you. How long? What were you allowed to do and when? What complications? Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Happy for you that you have done so well.
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@leslie77 So happy for you!!