Surgery performed to correct abnormal curvature or imbalance of the spine. This type of surgery can be considered when spinal deformity causes pain, loss of function, progressive imbalance, or nerve-related symptoms.
Quick Facts:
- Used to improve spinal alignment and balance
- Commonly performed for scoliosis, kyphosis, or sagittal imbalance
- Usually reserved for significant symptoms or progression
- Requires careful planning and individualized decision-making
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👉 Spinal Deformity Reconstruction Surgical Packet
We have a team approach to spinal deformity surgery. My partner, Dr. Robert Morgan, is a complex spinal deformity and reconstruction specialist. We have been operating on either side of the OR table as co-surgeons since 2021 and have completed many deformity corrections together.
Research strongly suggests (and we certainly believe) having two board-certified surgeons involved in these surgeries is the best way to ensure efficiency, safety, and ultimately, improved outcomes. Dr. Morgan and I are the only surgeons in this region who take this approach.
Prior to surgery, you will see both surgeons to optimize your plan.
WHAT IS DEFORMITY SURGERY?
Deformity surgery is performed to improve the shape, alignment, and balance of the spine.
It may involve:
- Straightening abnormal curves
- Restoring forward-backward balance
- Stabilizing the spine with fusion and instrumentation
- Relieving nerve compression when present
These procedures are typically more complex than routine decompression surgery.
👉 The goal is not simply to “straighten the spine,” but to improve function, balance, and quality of life
WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED?
Deformity surgery may be used for:
- Adult degenerative scoliosis
- Adolescent scoliosis in selected cases
- Kyphosis
- Sagittal imbalance
- Complex revision deformity
- Progressive post-surgical deformity
👉 The decision depends on how much the deformity affects standing, walking, pain, and function.
SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM DEFORMITY SURGERY
Common Symptoms
- Chronic back pain
- Fatigue with standing
- Leaning forward or to one side
- Difficulty standing upright
Functional Limitations
- Reduced walking distance
- Trouble with posture or balance
- Progressive loss of function
When Nerves Are Affected
- Leg pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
🚨 When Prompt Evaluation Is Important
- Progressive deformity
- Worsening balance
- Increasing neurologic symptoms
- Declining ability to walk or stand
WHEN IS SURGERY CONSIDERED?
Surgery may be considered when:
- Deformity is progressive
- Pain significantly affects quality of life
- Alignment is poor enough to limit daily function
- There is associated nerve compression
- Conservative treatment has failed
👉 Not every spinal curve requires surgery. The key is whether the deformity is causing meaningful problems
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Step-by-Step Overview
- Anesthesia
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Exposure and Decompression
- Nerves may be decompressed if needed
- Correction of Alignment
- The spine is carefully repositioned to improve alignment and balance
- Instrumentation and Fusion
- Screws, rods, and bone graft are used to hold correction and promote long-term stability
- Closure and Recovery
- The spine is stabilized and recovery begins over weeks to months
OUR APPROACH
We focus on careful patient selection and thoughtful surgical planning.
- Deformity surgery is powerful, but it should be done for the right reasons
- We evaluate symptoms, alignment, bone quality, and function—not just curve measurements
- The goal is to restore balance and reduce symptoms while avoiding unnecessary extension of surgery
- Planning is individualized because no two deformity cases are exactly alike
- We work as a team, Dr. Robert Morgan and I performing the surgeries together to optimize outcomes
👉 Good deformity surgery is about improving life functionally, not just correcting an X-ray.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Surgery
- Standing full-spine imaging
- Team based review of symptoms, function, and goals
- Team based planning and risk discussion
- Optimization of bone health and medical factors
- Computer simulation to optimize your surgical plan
Day of Surgery
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Often more extensive than routine spine surgery
- Team based surgery
- Procedure length depends on severity and number of levels involved
Recovery
- Recovery is gradual
- Walking and mobility begin early
- Long-term healing and adaptation continue over months
OUTCOMES & RISKS
Potential Benefits
- Improved alignment and posture
- Better standing and walking tolerance
- Reduced pain
- Better balance and function
- Relief of associated nerve compression
Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Nonunion
- Hardware failure
- Need for staged or revision procedures
👉 These surgeries can be very effective, but they require careful indication and planning
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do all spinal curves need surgery?
No. Many deformities are monitored or treated conservatively.
Is this only for severe scoliosis?
No. It may also be used for adult degenerative imbalance and kyphosis.
Is recovery long?
Recovery is usually longer than for routine decompression procedures.
What is the main goal of surgery?
To improve alignment, function, and quality of life.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS
- Refer patients with:
- Progressive scoliosis or kyphosis
- Sagittal imbalance
- Functional limitation from deformity
- Prior spine surgery with worsening alignment
- Imaging:
- Standing scoliosis films/full-length spine imaging
- MRI if neurologic symptoms are present
- CT in selected complex or revision cases
- Consider referral for:
- Progressive pain and imbalance
- Loss of standing tolerance
- Combined deformity and stenosis symptoms
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Spinal Deformity
- Instrumentation Surgery
- Fusion Surgery
- Osteoporosis & Spine Health
- Spine simulation
NEXT STEPS…
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