Anyone have scoliosis surgery after age 60? Outcome?

@sherrym25 this is EXTREMELY useful! I will seek an appointment with him. Mayo Rochester did my smaller one and has been enormously helpful for me in both locations from a full-systems perspective.

@hauser1
I had the same surgery T4-S1 3 years ago. I was 58. I was the same constant pain only being able to walk 30/40feet. Now having a life again. I think what helped me recover was inpatient rehab 2 weeks. And I didn't have a lot of help. I had to get up and do things for myself. Good luck.

@kennys1957 Good morning! I had a T11 to L4 fusion 21 months ago at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic.
Dr McClendon was my second opinion after a surgeon at UC Davis (Sacramento) wanted to do a T10 to L5 fusion.
Dr. McClendon did an amazing job and specializes in minimally invasive surgery. It’s so much more work for the surgeon but does less damage and quicker recovery time. My surgery was 8 hours versus a 2-3 hour surgery for the “open” technique. Also, he told me recently that because of the minimally invasive technique used, he didn’t need to cut and destabilize tissue structure, etc. around L5 which will help prevent future problems. I also love that I have a follow up zoom appointment with him every 6 months for 10 years after my surgery.
He really wants to stay involved with my healing and progress.
Wishing you the best with getting a second opinion! Sherry

@jenniferhunter I had a 2 week stay in acute rehab for 2 weeks after the hospital. Then home PT OT, then outpatient PT for 6 months. My left leg was greatly weakened after surgery, so I worked hard to improve that. Then I started back to the gym doing weights. Yes I walked the first year, but a foot bunion prevents me from going more than 2 miles. I do the treadmill for 45 min and that seems good. Also rotate with 45 min on a stationary bike instead.

@hauser1
You put in the work and now are reaping the benefits. Wishing you continued good mobility and health!!!

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!

@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.

@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.

@sleeplessinslc
Cheers to you Sleepless for working with your doctors to have a rewarding life! I credit any progress to the intense 2 week 3x a day inpatient rehab at the hospital my Dr. ordered.
This was followed by 3 weeks in a less intense inpatient setting.
I was emotionally ready to return to my home, my dog, the sunlight streaming through my windows. I live alone and am very independent.
This mental work is at the core of my recovery, to encourage myself and not expect healing to be a straight line.
I had 2-3 visits a week for pt and ot.
After several months I did pt at a healthcenter with a pool that gave me confidence I could bend without pain! Seeing other people being active in the center was very encouraging also!! I went from a walker outside to a cane now. I am working on balance but my endurance is back.
My Dr. has folloe up appointments every 4 months and I will have an MRI next week to check on urinary urgency.
I am driving again. I had cervical surgery Jan 5, 2026 and now I am over a year past surgery and conditioning to strengthen and heal further. No pain! Constant gratitude for my surgeon and God.
Keep living, moving, enjoy your family and friends and trust. Best to you. Leslie