There are many different types of surgery that can be offered and this will be determined by your spinal consultant and will depend on the reason you require surgical intervention. You might hear your surgeon talk about inserting screws and rods into your spine to help stabilise it or correct a scoliosis curve. It is important to ask your surgeon any questions you have or talk about any worries.

You may hear them or members of your spinal team talk about the following:

Posterior scoliosis correction - this is where the surgeon inserts screws and rods in to your spine by making an incision down the centre of your back to access the spine.

Anterior scoliosis correction - this is where the surgeon inserts screws and rods in to your spine by accessing the spine through your side. You will require a chest drain after this procedure but your consultant and the spinal nurse will discuss this with you in clinic.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) - is a contemporary approach to spinal fusion surgery. It is an operation performed most commonly on the lower back to remove an intervertebral disc and join two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) together using screws and a cage.

Excision of Hemi-vertebra - this is where the hemi-vertebra is surgically removed. The partial correction of the curve that is achieved by doing this can then be maintained using metal implants. This procedure will only fuse two to three vertebrae together.

If you are offered surgery to manage your spinal condition you will normally be admitted in the morning and will see lots of people before your operation including the spinal team, anaesthetists and ward nurses.

When you wake up you will have drips and lines attached to you that help the nurses and doctors to monitor you, and a large dressing on your back to cover your wound. This dressing is kept on for 12-14 days post op until you are reviewed by the spinal team in outpatient's clinic. Usually you go to high dependency or intensive care after your operation for a day or two where you will be closely monitored and then are moved to a ward. A doctor and nurse from the spinal team will review you every day and make sure that you are recovering well and answer any question you may have.

Following surgery your back will be uncomfortable but you will be given medication to help with this. You will be seen every day by our physios, firstly this will involve sitting on the edge of the bed, next will be standing and walking and after that they will check that you are able to use the stairs safely. Once you are able to do this you are usually discharged home, this is approximately 4-5 days after your operation. Your team will talk to you about managing when you are home and who to contact if you are worried or have any questions. You can read more about preparing for surgery here.