Pediatric Scoliosis and Kyphosis Surgery in India

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, and kyphosis is an excessive forward rounding of the upper back. Both can appear in childhood or adolescence, sometimes with no known cause (idiopathic), and sometimes linked to congenital spine differences or neuromuscular conditions. Mild curves are monitored or managed with bracing; larger or progressing curves, generally beyond 45-50 degrees, are usually recommended for surgical correction.

What surgery can and cannot do

Surgery aims to safely correct the curve, rebalance the torso over the pelvis, and hold that correction permanently through spinal fusion, using screws and rods to realign the spine while a bone graft fuses the treated vertebrae in the corrected position. It significantly improves the curve and prevents further progression; it does not always produce a perfectly straight spine, and some loss of flexibility in the fused segment is expected. In young, still-growing children, growing rod systems that are lengthened periodically may be used instead of a permanent fusion, to allow the spine and chest to keep growing.

Choosing the right approach

The right approach depends on the child's age, remaining growth, curve pattern and underlying cause. A paediatric spine surgeon assesses growth potential and curve behaviour before recommending observation, bracing, growing-rod surgery, or definitive spinal fusion.