When should you have surgery for adult onset scoliosis?

Dr. Josh Beckman, a Denver neurosurgeon and spine specialist, presents Centura Health Grand Rounds on spine curvature in adults. In this presentation, Dr. Beckman covers why scoliosis develops in adults and what degree of scoliosis requires surgery. As the former Director of Complex Spinal Surgery at San Antonio Military Medical Center, the country's largest military hospital, Dr. Beckman has extensive experience in the management of degenerative scoliosis and presents the rationale for considering spine surgery earlier in the progression of scoliosis rather than later.

[@susanmoniotte2951]

Great video! Lots of helpful information. Goodness I wish you practiced in the Atlanta area. I’ve been told I need Fusion from T9-Pelvis. Plus scoliosis. My sister needed C2-T2, but today the surgeon and her agreed on just three levels fused. Much better! I would love to do it too! My surgeon at U of M (sister lives in Ann Arbor and might be able to somewhat care for me) wants to do the whole thing on me, and that scares the living daylights out of me! 40:12 Love the messages you are sending. Please keep going, and please let me know if you move anywhere near the Atlanta area!

[@joelangford7601]

In the Atlanta area, have you checked out Emory University Hospital Spine Program? There is an impressive KZbin video of patients who have had great success with large scoliosis surgeries there (I think the KZbin video is called Scoliosis Town Hall).

[@theandersons777]

I'm screwed. 52 and just got an xray. I can barley walk today.

[@angelamarie2554]

Is there a way I can get a hold of you for a potential consult? I was diagnosed as a teen, and it stayed really mild until I had a baby last year. Now it’s a 28 degree curve with very significant rotation. I’m 3 years old and No one wants to touch me for surgery, but My progression was fast, and getting worse. Despite PT for months I’m in constant pain. Im concerned that the surgeons I’ve seen are going to let this continue to get worse and chance that I won’t be able to get surgery if I develop osteoporosis later in life.

[@neurosurgeryone]

Hi Angela. So sorry to hear about your situation. Our two adult scoliosis experts are Dr. Jason McGowan and Dr. Josh Beckman. Both work in our Lakewood, Colorado, office. To schedule a consultation with either, please call 720-638-7500, option 2. We can see you in person or if you live in Colorado, we also can set up a telehealth consult. We hope this helps.