My brother had surgery yesterday for severe scoliosis. During the operation, one of his spinal bones broke as the surgeon was trying to insert a screw into the bone. I guess they were able to patch everything up but what happens with that fracture?

Spinal fusion for scoliosis is an important and necessary operation for some patients. Scoliosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine. It can curve so much that the heart and lungs and other organs are pinched and pushed out of their natural position. Heart, lung, and stomach function can be severely compromised.

Pedicle screws can be used to help straighten and stabilize the spine. The surgeon removes a tiny portion of the vertebral arch. This is the curved part of the bone that goes around the outside of the spinal cord to protect it.

Using a tiny spatula-shaped tool, the surgeon is able reach around the inside of the curve and locate the right spot for the screws. Usually the screws are placed in the pedicles. The pedicles are the upright support column of the vertebral bone.

Drilling a tiny hole and inserting a screw in this part of the bone can cause a fracture. The surgeon must back the screw out of the hole and seal it up with bone wax. That site can no longer be used. Sometimes the pedicle is too small for screws. The surgeon may have to use a rod or hooks instead.

As with all fractures, healing takes at least six to eight weeks. The surgeon will advise your brother as to what he can and cannot go during that time. Further complications are rare but can happen.