Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis How amp Why is a Spinal Fusion Done

Scoliosis is defined and diagnosed by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Instead of being straight, the spine deforms into a curve that when x-rayed looks more like a squirmy worm or slithering snake (sorry for this visual!). If the curvature is severe and symptomatic enough, surgery may be the next step after all non-operative treatments have failed. The surgical procedure most often used to treat scoliosis is call a "spinal fusion".