Overview — Why consider spinal deformity surgery?
Spinal deformity surgery treats abnormal curvature and imbalance of the spine that cause pain, neurological symptoms or progressive disability. Indications include severe kyphosis, adult spinal deformity with sagittal imbalance, progressive scoliosis and deformities from prior surgery or trauma. Our goal is to correct alignment while protecting neurological function.
Restored posture & alignmentSurgical correction realigns the spine to reduce forward stoop and improve standing balance.
Pain & function improvementMany patients have reduced back pain, improved endurance and better ability to perform daily tasks.
Comprehensive carePre-op optimisation, intra-op neuromonitoring, personalised instrumentation and rehab for best outcomes.
spinal deformity surgery • kyphosis correction • sagittal balance • deformity correction • spinal fusion • osteotomy
Who is suitable for surgery?
Patients with progressive deformity, severe chest/functional compromise from kyphosis, symptomatic sagittal imbalance, or deformity causing nerve compression. Suitability is determined after a full clinical and radiological assessment including standing full-spine X-rays and MRI/CT as needed.
How we plan & perform deformity correction
- Detailed assessment: Standing alignment films, flexibility/compensatory analysis and neurological evaluation.
- Individualised surgical plan: May include posterior fusion, anterior release, osteotomy (for rigid kyphosis), interbody cages, or staged procedures for complex cases.
- Intra-op safety: Use of neuromonitoring, image guidance and experienced anesthetic care to minimise risk.
- Post-op rehabilitation: Targeted physiotherapy and gradual activity progression with routine follow-up for alignment checks.
Benefits emphasised for patients
- Improved upright posture and reduced forward stoop (important in kyphosis correction).
- Enhanced ability to walk, stand and perform activities with less fatigue.
- Tailored procedures to balance deformity correction and preserve function.
Risks & realistic expectations
Spinal deformity surgery can be major — risks include infection, blood loss, implant failure, nerve injury and the potential need for revision. Osteotomy (used for severe kyphosis) carries additional risk and is only recommended after careful selection. We discuss benefits, potential complications and recovery timelines during shared decision-making.
Recovery & long-term follow-up
Hospital stay depends on procedure complexity (days to weeks). Early mobilisation with physiotherapy begins quickly; progressive strengthening and activity resumption occur over months. Long-term follow-up includes serial imaging to monitor fusion, hardware and alignment.
What is kyphosis and when is correction needed?
Kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine leading to a rounded back or stooped posture. Correction is considered when kyphosis causes pain, neurological symptoms, functional impairment or progressive deformity.
Will surgery restore my height?
Surgical correction often improves upright posture and may restore some height, especially when rigid deformity is corrected. Amount varies by deformity severity and chosen technique.
How do you reduce surgical risk?
We optimise medical comorbidities pre-op, use blood-conserving strategies, intra-op neuromonitoring, and follow enhanced recovery protocols to reduce complications and speed rehabilitation.