Your daughter being 13 years of age with a 50 degree curve most likely will need to be fixed. I assume this is a scoliosis and not a hyperkyphosis (a curve from the side view).
The reason scoliosis needs to be surgically fixed in a young girl is that the curve will most likely advance. Over the years with a significant spinal deformity- real problems will occur that you don’t want your daughter to face. Yes- scoliosis surgery replaces a curved but supple spine with a straight (or straighter) but stiff spine at the levels fixed.
I never think a second opinion is a bad idea and there are many places in Texas that do a good job with scoliosis surgery. Good luck.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
