Surgery for Hunched Back Deformity and Sagittal Balance Correction
What Is This Surgery?
Kyphosis Surgery is performed to correct excessive forward curvature of the spine (Kyphosis), restore spinal alignment and improve overall posture and balance.
While the normal spine has a gentle forward curve in the thoracic region, excessive kyphosis can lead to a hunched-back appearance, chronic pain, imbalance, difficulty standing upright and, in severe cases, neurological problems or breathing difficulties.
The goals of surgery are to:
Correct spinal deformity
Restore normal spinal alignment
Improve posture and balance
Relieve pain
Protect the spinal cord and nerves
Improve walking ability
Enhance quality of life
The procedure typically involves spinal instrumentation using pedicle screws, rods and fusion techniques. In severe deformities, corrective osteotomies (controlled bone cuts) may be required to achieve adequate correction.
Kyphosis Surgery is one of the most specialized forms of spinal deformity correction and requires meticulous planning and advanced surgical expertise.
Why Is This Surgery Performed?
This surgery may be recommended for:
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Post-Traumatic Kyphosis
Degenerative Kyphosis
Osteoporotic Kyphotic Deformity
Congenital Kyphosis
Post-Infective Kyphosis
Post-Tubercular Kyphosis
Sagittal Imbalance
Progressive Spinal Deformity
Common symptoms that may lead to surgery include:
Hunched back appearance
Poor posture
Chronic back pain
Fatigue while standing
Difficulty standing upright
Walking difficulty
Loss of balance
Progressive deformity
Neurological symptoms
In severe cases:
Leg weakness
Difficulty walking
Breathing difficulties
Reduced quality of life
Who Is A Suitable Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if:
✓ Significant spinal deformity is present
✓ The deformity is progressively worsening
✓ Pain is affecting daily activities
✓ Significant sagittal imbalance is present
✓ Neurological symptoms have developed
✓ Walking ability is impaired
✓ Conservative treatment has failed
✓ Surgery is expected to improve function and quality of life
How Is The Surgery Performed?
Step 1
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Step 2
The patient is positioned on a specialized spinal surgery table.
Step 3
Advanced imaging guidance and neuromonitoring systems are used throughout the procedure to enhance safety.
Step 4
Pedicle screws are inserted into selected vertebrae.
Step 5
Specialized rods are attached to the screws.
Step 6
The kyphotic deformity is gradually corrected using modern deformity correction techniques.
Step 7
In severe deformities, osteotomies (controlled bone cuts) may be performed to achieve adequate correction.
Step 8
Spinal alignment and balance are carefully assessed.
Step 9
Bone grafts are placed to achieve long-term spinal fusion.
Step 10
The wound is closed and sterile dressings are applied.
The duration of surgery depends on the severity of deformity and the complexity of correction required.
What Are The Advantages?
Potential benefits include:
Improved posture
Correction of spinal deformity
Restoration of spinal balance
Reduced back pain
Improved walking ability
Improved standing endurance
Enhanced appearance and confidence
Better spinal alignment
Prevention of further progression
Improved quality of life
In appropriately selected patients, Kyphosis Surgery can dramatically improve posture, function and overall well-being.
What Are The Risks?
Every surgical procedure carries certain theoretical risks and potential complications. However, every effort is made to minimise these risks through meticulous surgical planning, advanced technology and comprehensive patient optimisation.
At Bombay Spine Clinic™, Kyphosis Surgery is performed using modern deformity correction systems, advanced spinal instrumentation, intraoperative imaging and neuromonitoring technology. These tools help maximize deformity correction while protecting the spinal cord and nerves throughout the procedure.
In addition, every patient undergoes a detailed pre-operative assessment. Depending on individual health requirements, this may involve evaluation and optimisation by physicians, cardiologists, anaesthetists, pulmonologists and other specialists. This multidisciplinary approach helps improve surgical safety and overall outcomes.
Potential risks that are discussed with patients include:
Infection
Bleeding
Dural tear (CSF leak)
Nerve injury
Spinal cord injury
Implant-related complications
Loss of correction
Failure of fusion
Adjacent segment degeneration
Persistent pain
Rare need for revision surgery
Fortunately, modern technology, neuromonitoring and careful surgical planning have significantly improved the safety of kyphosis surgery.
Preparing For Surgery
Before surgery:
Clinical evaluation
Standing full-spine X-rays
MRI scan
CT scan (if required)
Blood investigations
Medical fitness assessment
Pulmonary evaluation (if required)
Anaesthesia assessment
Patients should inform their doctor regarding:
Previous spinal surgery
Heart disease
Respiratory disorders
Osteoporosis
Bleeding disorders
Allergies
Current medications
What Happens During Hospital Stay?
Day of Surgery
Hospital admission
Surgery
Recovery room observation
Pain management
Neurological monitoring
First 24–72 Hours
Assisted mobilization
Physiotherapy guidance
Breathing exercises
Wound care
Functional rehabilitation
Discharge
Most patients are discharged within:
4–7 days
depending on the complexity of surgery and recovery.
Recovery After Surgery
Week 1
Expected symptoms:
Surgical site discomfort
Improved posture
Walking encouraged under supervision
Gradual increase in mobility
Weeks 2–6
Progressive walking programme
Improvement in stamina
Return to routine daily activities
Follow-up consultations
6 Weeks–3 Months
Continued rehabilitation
Strengthening exercises
Improvement in balance and endurance
Long-Term Recovery
Fusion continues over several months.
Most patients experience substantial improvement in posture, spinal alignment, mobility and quality of life.
Regular exercise, maintenance of bone health and adherence to rehabilitation protocols contribute to long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need Kyphosis Surgery?
Because your spinal deformity is causing pain, imbalance, postural problems or neurological symptoms that may continue to worsen over time.
2. Are there alternatives to surgery?
Observation, physiotherapy and bracing may be appropriate in selected patients. Surgery is usually recommended when deformity is severe, progressive or significantly affecting quality of life.
3. Will I become taller after surgery?
Many patients notice an increase in height after correction because the excessive spinal curvature is reduced. The amount varies depending on the severity of deformity.
4. How long will I stay in hospital?
Most patients remain in hospital for approximately 4–7 days.
5. When can I start walking after surgery?
Most patients begin assisted walking within 24–48 hours after surgery.
6. When can I start outdoor walking?
Outdoor walking is generally started after approximately 1–2 weeks depending on recovery.
7. When can I travel after surgery?
Short local travel is usually possible after approximately 2–3 weeks. Long-distance travel is generally recommended after 6–8 weeks.
8. When can I return to work or school?
Typical timelines are:
School or College: Approximately 4–6 weeks
Work From Home (WFH): Approximately 3–4 weeks
Office-Based Work: Approximately 6–8 weeks
Physical Work: Approximately 3–6 months
9. When can I drive, exercise, dance or resume sports?
Driving is generally permitted after approximately 6 weeks.
Sports, dancing, gym workouts and high-impact activities are usually resumed after 4–6 months depending on recovery and fusion progress.
10. What is the success rate of Kyphosis Surgery?
When performed for appropriate indications, Kyphosis Surgery has a high success rate in correcting deformity, restoring spinal balance and improving quality of life.
Most patients experience significant improvement in posture, appearance, confidence, pain levels and overall function.
11. Will the deformity return after surgery?
The corrected spinal segments are fused and stabilized. Recurrence of the treated deformity is uncommon when a solid fusion is achieved and appropriate follow-up care is maintained.
Myth vs Fact
Myth:
A hunched back is simply a part of ageing and cannot be corrected.
Fact:
Many forms of kyphosis can be effectively treated. In selected patients, surgery can significantly improve posture, balance and quality of life.
Myth:
Kyphosis Surgery is only cosmetic.
Fact:
While appearance often improves, the primary goals are to restore spinal balance, reduce pain, improve function and prevent progression of deformity.
If you have been diagnosed with kyphosis, a hunched-back deformity, post-traumatic deformity or sagittal imbalance, or would like a second opinion regarding your X-rays, MRI or treatment plan, you may schedule a consultation or upload your imaging studies for specialist review.
Dr. Siddharth KatkadeConsultant Spine Surgeon
Bombay Spine Clinic™
Need Clinical Evaluation?
Consult with Dr. Siddharth Katkade (MBBS, MS, DNB, FASSI Germany/UK) for accurate diagnosis and personalized spine treatment.
