What is spinal deformity surgery?
Corrects selected alignment problems through anterior, posterior, or combined reconstruction. Dr. Merola measures alignment across the whole spine and builds an anterior, posterior, or combined plan. Decompression, osteotomy, interbody support, implants, and fusion are selected according to the correction required.
Conditions it treats
Am I a candidate?
Adults with progressive imbalance, painful deformity, nerve compression, loss of standing tolerance, or failure of prior reconstruction may be considered after full imaging and medical optimization.
How the diagnosis and surgical level are confirmed
Adult deformity planning considers the entire standing spine rather than one painful image level. Full-length films show coronal curve, sagittal balance, pelvic relationship, and compensation through the hips and knees. MRI or CT, neurologic examination, prior fusion, frailty, bone density, nutrition, and medical risk help distinguish focal stenosis from symptoms driven by global imbalance. The plan may combine decompression, interbody support, osteotomy, fixation, graft, and anterior or posterior corridors. The correction target is individualized; making an image maximally straight is not automatically the safest functional goal. Early hospital care includes neurologic and medical monitoring, blood-loss management, walking, wound care, bowel recovery, and prevention of immobility complications. Vocational recovery starts with basic upright tolerance before driving, uneven ground, lifting, or fall exposure. A major reconstruction cannot restore normal spinal biology or guarantee pain relief. Neurologic or medical complications, nonunion, implant failure, junctional breakdown, or residual imbalance may require staged or revision care.
How Dr. Merola performs spinal deformity surgery
Dr. Merola measures alignment across the whole spine and builds an anterior, posterior, or combined plan. Decompression, osteotomy, interbody support, implants, and fusion are selected according to the correction required.
Recovery timeline and returning to work
Recovery is longer than for a focal decompression and includes hospital care, staged walking, rehabilitation, medical optimization, and gradual return to work based on healing and function.
Alternatives and related procedures
Smaller decompression or limited fusion may be sufficient when symptoms come from one level. Larger reconstruction is reserved for deformity that drives pain, imbalance, or neurologic compromise.
Spinal Deformity Surgery risks and outcomes
Risks include infection, blood loss, neurologic injury, medical complications, nonunion, implant failure, junctional problems, incomplete correction, and additional surgery.
Related spine procedures
Spinal Implants
Explains how screws, rods, plates, cages, artificial discs, and other implants support a specific reconstruction.
Compare procedure →Scoliosis Surgery
Treats selected spinal curves and imbalance when progression, pain, function, or neurologic compromise warrants correction.
Compare procedure →Spinal Fracture Stabilization
Protects the spinal cord and restores stability or alignment after selected cervical, thoracic, or lumbar fractures.
Compare procedure →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether I need spinal deformity surgery?
Adults with progressive imbalance, painful deformity, nerve compression, loss of standing tolerance, or failure of prior reconstruction may be considered after full imaging and medical optimization. The decision follows a direct examination and review of imaging, symptoms, prior care, health, and functional limits.
What happens during spinal deformity surgery?
Dr. Merola measures alignment across the whole spine and builds an anterior, posterior, or combined plan. Decompression, osteotomy, interbody support, implants, and fusion are selected according to the correction required. The exact levels and approach are individualized, and Dr. Merola performs the operation personally.
How long is recovery after spinal deformity surgery?
Recovery is longer than for a focal decompression and includes hospital care, staged walking, rehabilitation, medical optimization, and gradual return to work based on healing and function. Timing still varies with the approach, levels treated, healing, neurologic findings, and job demands.
What are the alternatives to spinal deformity surgery?
Smaller decompression or limited fusion may be sufficient when symptoms come from one level. Larger reconstruction is reserved for deformity that drives pain, imbalance, or neurologic compromise. Non-surgical care may remain reasonable when the examination and imaging support it.
What risks should I understand before spinal deformity surgery?
Risks include infection, blood loss, neurologic injury, medical complications, nonunion, implant failure, junctional problems, incomplete correction, and additional surgery. Symptoms may improve incompletely, and additional care or surgery may be needed. No result is guaranteed.
Additional reading
Trusted sources for going deeper. These sites are independent of the practice.
- MedlinePlus.Spine Injuries and Disorders. MedlinePlus.
Independent patient information related to this procedure or the conditions it treats.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo.Spinal Fusion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo.
Independent patient information related to this procedure or the conditions it treats.
References
- Spine Injuries and Disorders. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/spineinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Spinal Fusion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/
Educational content prepared July 2026. This page is educational and does not create a doctor-patient relationship.