Who qualifies for spinal surgery (and who makes that decision)? How bad does the curve have to be?
For a patient diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, who has never had spine surgery, the main indicator for surgery is a progressive curvature measuring 40° or more. The physician will recommend surgery based on medical necessity (not cosmetic reasons), and then surgical options are discussed with the patient, and the parents of any patient less than 18 yrs. The decision to proceed with surgery is in the hands of the patient.
