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Complex spine surgery · London and UK

Scoliosis surgery, planned for the curve you have.

AIS, congenital, neuromuscular or adult degenerative - matched to a named complex spine surgeon in a unit with O-arm navigation, robotic guidance and full SSEP, MEP and TOF neuromonitoring on every case.

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A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    A named complex spine surgeon, not a generalist

    A consultant deformity surgeon with a high-volume AIS or adult-scoliosis practice, in a unit set up for O-arm navigation and full neuromonitoring.

  • 02

    The right correction for the right curve

    PSF, VBT, MAGEC growing rods, an osteotomy or a short-segment TLIF. We match the operation to the Lenke or Schwab pattern, not the other way round.

  • 03

    Independent, and free

    We are paid by no hospital, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.

Indicative pricing

What private scoliosis surgery costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner units. Send the EOS scan and MRI and we quote firm figures across two or three named surgeons.

In short

A standard AIS posterior spinal fusion in our network: £45,000 to £75,000, inpatient stay 5 to 8 days.

Procedure Indicative range
Consultant deformity opinion and EOS review £450 to £750
PSF for AIS (posterior spinal fusion, pedicle screws) £45,000 to £75,000
Adult short-segment fusion (TLIF or OLIF, 1 to 3 levels) £35,000 to £55,000
Complex adult deformity with osteotomy (SPO, PSO or VCR) £65,000 to £120,000
MAGEC growing rods (early-onset scoliosis) £55,000 to £95,000
Vertebral body tethering (VBT, growth-modulating) £55,000 to £85,000

Prices vary by hospital, by which surgeon leads the case, by construct length and implant choice, and by whether patient-specific rods and robotic guidance are used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.

When it helps

When scoliosis surgery is the right step - and when it is not.

The curve patterns we see most, from paediatric AIS through to adult degenerative scoliosis, plus the red flags that change the conversation.

  • AIS with Cobb angle over 45 to 50 degrees

    Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at skeletal immaturity - curves past 45 to 50 degrees usually progress into adulthood and are the standard operative threshold.

  • Documented curve progression on serial films

    A curve adding more than 5 degrees between EOS studies, or crossing the surgical threshold with growth remaining, is a strong case for planning surgery now.

  • Adult curve over 50 degrees with symptoms

    Adult degenerative or de-novo scoliosis with axial pain, radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication or sagittal imbalance - surgery targets symptoms, not the number.

  • Congenital scoliosis (hemivertebra, bar)

    Congenital anomalies with rapid asymmetric growth - early hemivertebrectomy or short fusion often better than watching the deformity accelerate.

  • Neuromuscular scoliosis with pelvic obliquity

    Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or SMA with collapsing curves - long fusion to the pelvis improves sitting balance, hygiene and respiratory function.

  • Cosmetic and psychosocial concerns

    Rib hump, shoulder or waist asymmetry causing real distress in an adolescent with an operative-range curve - a valid part of the decision, alongside progression risk.

  • Restrictive lung disease with curve over 70

    Thoracic curves past 70 degrees begin to restrict FVC. PFTs and cardiology review are part of the work-up, and surgery may stabilise respiratory decline.

  • Red flag: new neurology or bladder change

    New leg weakness, sensory change, foot drop or bowel and bladder symptoms need urgent MRI and neurosurgical review - not a routine deformity clinic slot.

Procedure options

Scoliosis surgery is a family of operations, not one procedure.

Modern deformity practice picks from PSF, VBT, growing rods, short-segment fusions and osteotomies - matched to the Lenke pattern in AIS or the Schwab classification in adults.

  • PSF posterior spinal fusion

    The gold standard for AIS and most adult curves. Pedicle screws every level, a rod on each side, curve correction of 60 to 90 percent, fusion rates over 95 percent.

  • ASF anterior spinal fusion

    Anterior approach through the chest or flank for selected thoracolumbar curves - fewer levels fused, but longer operative time and lung deflation required.

  • VBT vertebral body tethering

    A growth-modulating tether on the convex side of a flexible curve in a skeletally immature patient - preserves motion, avoids fusion, requires very careful patient selection.

  • MAGEC growing rods

    Magnetically controlled growing rods for early-onset scoliosis under 10 years old - lengthened non-invasively in clinic every 3 to 6 months until definitive fusion.

  • Osteotomies (SPO, PSO, VCR)

    Smith-Petersen, pedicle subtraction or vertebral column resection for rigid adult curves or sharp sagittal deformity - powerful correction, higher blood loss and neuro risk.

  • Adult TLIF and OLIF short-segment

    Transforaminal or oblique lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative scoliosis with radiculopathy or claudication - 1 to 3 levels, less invasive than a long construct.

  • O-arm navigation and robotics

    Intraoperative CT with O-arm, plus robotic screw placement (Mazor X or Excelsius) - sub-millimetre screw accuracy, particularly useful in rotated apical vertebrae.

  • Patient-specific rods (Medicrea UNiD)

    Rods pre-bent to a planned sagittal and coronal shape from CT - better matched to the target alignment, particularly in complex adult deformity.

The journey

From EOS scan to rehabilitation, what happens, in order.

One team from first message through to your yearly EOS - including the intensive care night, the physiotherapy plan and the return-to-sport clearance.

  1. 01

    Before

    You send us the EOS scan and MRI

    A short, confidential form. Standing EOS X-rays if you have them, most recent MRI, and any prior surgical opinions. Paediatric or adult - both routes.

  2. 02

    Before

    We come back with a recommendation

    Within one working day: whether PSF, VBT, growing rods, an osteotomy or a short-segment fusion fits. Two or three named surgeons. Indicative price.

  3. 03

    Before

    Work-up and pre-assessment

    Full-length EOS, supine bending films, MRI whole spine, CT if congenital, PFTs if the curve is over 70 degrees, DEXA in adults, bloods and cardiology clearance.

  4. 04

    On the day

    Admission and anaesthetic

    Prone positioning on a Jackson frame. General anaesthetic with arterial line, tranexamic acid, cell salvage, and full SSEP, MEP and TOF neuromonitoring throughout.

  5. 05

    On the day

    The correction

    4 to 8 hours for a standard PSF, longer for VCR or long adult constructs. O-arm intraoperative navigation, robotic screw placement where used, and patient-specific rods bent to plan.

  6. 06

    On the day

    Critical care overnight

    HDU or PICU overnight, then a step down to the ward. Mobilising with physiotherapy on day one or two. Inpatient stay usually 5 to 8 days.

  7. 07

    After

    Rehabilitation and follow-up

    Standing EOS at 6 weeks, 6 months and yearly. Return to school or desk work by 6 weeks, non-contact sport by 6 months, contact sport by 12 months.

Our vetted UK network

A small panel of complex spine surgeons, we picked them.

Consultant deformity surgeons at Great Ormond Street Private Care, HCA Wellington Complex Spine, London Bridge Spine Unit, RNOH Private and Great Portland Street. Introductions made privately once we understand your curve.

  • Complex spine surgeons with high AIS or adult-deformity case volumes, audited fusion and revision rates

  • Units equipped with O-arm intraoperative navigation, robotic guidance, cell salvage and neuromonitoring

  • Full SSEP, MEP and TOF neuromonitoring on every case, delivered by a dedicated neurophysiologist

  • Paediatric intensive care or high-dependency backup for AIS and early-onset cases

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Scoliosis surgery is a major operation. Infection, neurological injury, PJK, pseudarthrosis and revision are all part of an honest consent conversation.

  • Infection: 1 to 3 percent

    Deep wound infection rate for elective PSF - antibiotic prophylaxis, meticulous closure and vancomycin powder are standard. Adult and neuromuscular cases run higher.

  • Neurological injury: 0.5 to 2 percent

    Any new neurology - from a numb patch to a spinal cord injury. Full SSEP, MEP and TOF monitoring, plus a wake-up test if signals change, are essential.

  • Proximal junctional kyphosis: 20 to 40 percent (adult)

    PJK at the top of a long adult construct is common. Careful upper instrumented vertebra selection, cement augmentation and sagittal planning reduce, not remove, the risk.

  • Pseudarthrosis: 5 to 10 percent

    Failure of the bony fusion, often at the thoracolumbar junction. Presents as pain or rod breakage 1 to 3 years post-op and usually needs revision surgery.

  • Revision surgery: 5 to 15 percent

    Rate varies by age, curve type and construct length. Adult long fusions to the pelvis carry the highest revision burden - part of the informed consent conversation.

  • Blood loss and transfusion

    Standard PSF loses 500 to 1500 ml, complex osteotomies more. Cell salvage, tranexamic acid, hypotensive anaesthesia and pre-op iron optimisation are routine.

  • Sagittal balance is the outcome, not the Cobb angle

    In adults the SRS-Schwab parameters - PI-LL mismatch, PT, SVA - predict pain and revision better than the number in degrees. Alignment is planned before the incision.

  • Return to activity

    Desk work and school by 6 weeks. Swimming, cycling and gentle running by 3 to 4 months. Non-contact sport by 6 months. Contact sport and gymnastics by 12 months.

  • Red flags after discharge

    New leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, wound discharge, fever over 38, severe unrelieved back pain or sudden loss of correction - call the team or attend A and E.

Ready to talk it through?

Send the EOS scan and MRI. We come back within one working day.

An honest read: whether PSF, VBT, growing rods, an osteotomy or a short-segment fusion fits, with two or three named surgeons and firm pricing across our London network.

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Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Cover for scoliosis surgery varies by insurer, by indication and by construct - usually funded when medically indicated. We confirm cover before booking.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about scoliosis surgery.

Quick answers on thresholds, cost, London centres, technique choice, neuromonitoring and recovery.

  • When does a scoliosis curve need surgery?

    For adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), surgery is generally considered once the Cobb angle passes 45 to 50 degrees at skeletal immaturity, or when serial films show clear progression across that threshold. In adults, the decision is driven by symptoms - axial pain, radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication or sagittal imbalance - typically at curves over 50 degrees. Cobb angles under 10 degrees are not scoliosis at all.

  • What does scoliosis surgery cost privately in the UK?

    Roughly 45,000 to 75,000 pounds for a standard AIS posterior spinal fusion, 35,000 to 55,000 pounds for an adult short-segment fusion of 1 to 3 levels, 65,000 to 120,000 pounds for complex adult deformity with an osteotomy or vertebral column resection, and 55,000 to 95,000 pounds for MAGEC growing rods in early-onset scoliosis. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.

  • Which London centres do complex scoliosis surgery?

    The main London providers for private scoliosis surgery are Great Ormond Street Private Care for paediatric AIS and early-onset cases, HCA Wellington Complex Spine, London Bridge Hospital Spine Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Private Care, and Great Portland Street Hospital. We arrange introductions to consultants across all five, based on your curve type.

  • What is the difference between PSF, VBT and MAGEC rods?

    Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with pedicle screws is the gold standard: 90 percent or more correction and fusion rates over 95 percent, at the cost of a permanent fusion. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is growth-modulating for skeletally immature adolescents with flexible curves - it preserves motion but has stricter selection criteria. MAGEC growing rods are for early-onset scoliosis under 10 years old, lengthened non-invasively every 3 to 6 months.

  • How safe is intraoperative neuromonitoring?

    Combined SSEP, MEP and TOF neuromonitoring is standard on every scoliosis case in our network - it detects potential spinal cord injury within seconds so the correction can be released or adjusted before permanent damage occurs. The literature supports monitoring in reducing new neurology, and it is a non-negotiable in a private deformity list.

  • How long is recovery from scoliosis surgery?

    For AIS: 5 to 8 days as an inpatient, home mobilising with paracetamol and short-course opiates, back at school by 6 weeks, non-contact sport by 6 months and contact sport by 12 months. Adult surgery recovers more slowly: 3 to 5 days for a short-segment fusion, up to 2 weeks for a complex osteotomy, and full recovery of stamina takes 6 to 12 months. Fusion is typically solid on CT by 12 months.

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