What is the treatment for a spinal fusion for scoliosis correction?
Patient: What type of limitations can be expected for a teenager who has had a spinal fusion for scoliosis correction? My nephew has also 2 steel rods screwed in place on either side of most of his spinal column. His fusion goes from just below neck to almost his waist. Also he has a goretex patch instead of a diaphragm on his left side since just after birth. It was repaired a few years ago. It was and still is wired to his rib cage. He was one of the first to survive this newer technique. I am concerned if trampoline use and sparring are safe activities for him. My brother seems to think anything is fine- I and his grandmother are concerned Doctor: helloGenerally after fusion surgery and harringtons instrumentation, precautions are taken by avoiding jerks and unusual bouncing as the metal struts as well as spine are subject to stress break on unusual sudden vibration and therefore, it may be inadvisable for trampoline or sparrng  activities.You may also consult your spine surgeon for activities that are permissible depending on patients general physique and amount of movement his physical shape can permit without danger.Usually muscle strengthening exercisesare advised both active and passive under a trained physiotherapistbest wishes