Anyone have scoliosis surgery after age 60? Outcome?

@franpat1950 I would get a second medical opinion. Back surgery is complicated enough for someone under 70 but I would imagine that same surgery for someone over 70 would be dicey. I was told, very casually by a doctor during a physical when I was around 22, that I have scoliosis. It may not be as severe as yours, but I have never considered surgery nor has any doctor ever suggested it - probably because it is not severe enough …? I will be 80 in a few months so I am sure it is not an option for me anyway. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I have the "C" scoliosis which laying flat for a short time gives me pain. Also, I do feel the spinal fusion L5-S1 limits my flexibility when playing sports, but after almost 12 years and at age 71, I manage.
I have talked to a number of doctors in the Phoenix area, including Mayo, and only one doctor in the Valley said he "could fix it" which none of the doctors have said so. Alarms sounded off in my head, as know how much of a game changer to not for the best, and how it would ruin my psych to be away from sports for months.
Until I am not able to play the court sports, drive, sleep decently, or walk and hike, then I would feel I am a candidate. As long as I can live and play like I do, I will stay away from scoliosis surgery. Get other opinions.

My problem is I have no life.
I am bent over and have no mobility. Walk with a cane. In Jan of 2026 had the spinal laminectomy and spinal fusion.
It got rid of the spinal stenosis pain but not the scoliosis.
Up until 73 I was fine in terms of playing tennis and pickleball. Was not bent over then. My spine surgeon wants me to keep away from surgery I’ve been getting epidurals which is no help. Still have pain on my right side running down my leg. No one has replied to me getting scolosis surgery at age 76. My scoliosis doctor explained everything to me. He is from Mt Sinai in Manhattan.he has. An excellent reputation.

@rashida
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 18 but I’ve always walked straight and never gave it a second thought.
Always been a active sports person. Until about the age of 70? Started getting epidurals in my lower back. For my stenosis and spondylitis. They worked for a while but then not. And then I needed spine surgery, hoping some one who has had the surgery to write back ..

@vikkitennis 68m in Phoenix, 40-degree "C" curve and scheduled for surgery after the New Year at Barrow. I am wanting a 2nd opinion from Mayo AZ.

@franpat1950 Hi, I had T 4 -S 1 fused. At 58 3 years ago I could not walk but 40 ft and was bent over. My surgery outcome was great. I am straight I can walk. There are some things that are challenging without the flexibility in the spine. Couldn't do a sit up. But don't regret it ever. Recovery was easier then I expected. I had pain after surgery but not as bad as before surgery. The pain meds worked on the pain after surgery. Before surgery the nerve pain was constant and I was getting worse. After surgery the pain was getting less and less. I hope this helps any other questions let me know. Good luck

@ https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1619923/

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!

@kwright41175 Thank you for that information. I’m seeing my scoliosis doctor next week. Hopefully all my questions will answered.

@leslie77 So happy for you!!