Growing Rods Surgery

Also known as: scoliosis surgery, scoliosis treatment with growing rods.

What is growing rods surgery?

Scoliosis is a disease that causes a curved spine and other deformities in children. Growing rods surgery is a procedure that’s used to treat scoliosis and minimize its progression.


What happens during the procedure?

Growing rod surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the back of the spine and attaches the rods to the spine with screws. Traditionally, follow-up procedures are needed to adjust the rods as a child grows. Newer forms of growing rods can be adjusted magnetically without the use of surgery.


Is any special preparation needed?

The patient may need to avoid food, drink and certain medications prior to the procedure.


What are the risk factors?

Infection, bleeding and injury to surrounding organs and tissues are all potential complications of growing rods surgery.


Reviewed by: Stephen George, MD

This page was last updated on: March 26, 2019 12:29 PM