Anterior Scoliosis Correction Surgery

What is anterior spinal surgery?

This surgery is for patients who have a moderate to large scoliosis that continues to worsen. It usually involves the lower thoracic spine and the upper lumbar spine. While asleep on your side, an incision is made on your side and the lowermost rib is removed. Some of the discs are removed and bone graft is placed in the disc spaces between the vertebrae involved to fuse them together. A single screw is placed into each vertebra bone (usually 5 or 6 screws). A single titanium rod is then attached to the screws, which carefully corrects and stabilises the curve. A machine called a ‘cell saver’ is used to collect any blood lost, which is then filtered by the machine and given back to the patient.

Example 1.

Thoracolumbar Scoliosis
Anterior Rod T11-L3
Scar at 10 months Post Op

The goal of this surgery for scoliosis is to fuse a section of the spine so that the deformity will not continue to worsen. It is not possible or often desirable to fully straighten the spine, but considerable scoliosis correction and rebalancing of the spine is usually achieved. The titanium rod supports the vertebrae while the bones are fusing together. The metal work is not removed and stays permanently attached to the spinal column. There is usually no need for a brace after surgery.

For a complete guide to this procedure, please download the brochure below.

COVID-19 Patient Message** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **

Patient and staff safety is our highest priority at Briz Brain & Spine.

For patients with appointments, if you are suffering any symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath or have recently travelled interstate, overseas or been in contact with someone who has returned from interstate or overseas, or have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact our friendly reception team before attending the clinic. A telehealth appointment may be an alternative method of speaking with our surgeons.

Protecting the health of our staff is vital to ensure they can continue to provide great service.  Patients are encouraged to prepay accounts over the phone prior to appointments or via payWave or other contactless payment methods. Patients are also asked to complete the Patient Details Form and sign the Privacy Policy Agreement electronically prior to their appointment. These forms can be found under our Contacts page on the website or by clicking here. Please note, patients are asked to bring only ONE support person to their appointment and maintain appropriate social distances to help reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

During this current outbreak of Covid-19 coronavirus we want to assure all of our patients that we will continue to implement procedures to maintain a hygienic clinical environment. This includes:

-          Disinfecting and wiping down all treatment surfaces

-          Regular cleaning of rooms and shared equipment

-          Thorough cleaning of all communal items including reception chairs, tables, door handles, pens and other shared items

-          All staff have access to infection control procedures and training to implement these as necessary

We are carefully monitoring the directions and advice of Queensland Health, the Australian Government Department of Health and the World Health Organization. In the meantime, it is still business as usual and our doors are open.

Briz Brain & Spine wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused and thanks you for your cooperation and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

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