Its a complex question because all scolioses are different & the procedures not identical. I believe there are more advanced less invasive operations now, ( at least in the USA ?)
My Dd had full Harrington rods (in France) so it was extreme.
She had a plaster/ then resin corset to allow her to grow first. if not the fusion stops growth of spine & the patient can be out of proportion.
They waited until she menstruated, as at that point they decided it was feasable. ( cartilage formed in hips etc.)
I admit I followed like a blind sheep,
Unfortunately her rods broke & she had removal & a repeat operation a few yrs later.
Then they broke again, & We found a surgeon who would repair rather than chisel out the whole length again ...this happened because the first 2 times the bone graft failed.
The third time they used a special sythetic graft mixture, ( from the USA, it costs mega bucks & we were lucky she was allocated a dose)
So, in retrospect, I I would want to know what procedure? What incision/s? what materials?, (Cobalt alliage is now banned in the EU as deemed corrosive)
Also what bone graft?
Have they checked her blood for anemia, (iron supps?) are they taking her blood (x weeks before) to auto infuse ? ( ideal)
There will be a need for transfusion
Do they advise taking collegen before to help healing/ scar?
On the day, she will go to pre op & it would be good to ask if she is first ? As if they say it takes 5 hours, it could well be alot more before you have news.
Go out, go for a walk/run..dont wait in her room all day, your mind will go into overdrive. it is terrifying.
Afterwards, will she go to reanimation, or back to her room.
Tell me shes not in a ward ?
When she comes round, she will be drugged on a morphine drip. Morphine makes my dd really unwell, so as she had this knowledge she had Ketamine the last time, so pain was controlled but she was away with the fairies (psychotic)
When they reduce the morphine day (2 or 3?) its brutal. My Dd suffered. It is hard to watch your child in pain, so be ready.
She wont want to eat. She wont be able to move alone.
Yes to braids. Hair band.
Nice smelling soap, to wash hands & face. Soft towel.
Take her headphones/music/ download some films. But she wont want a lot initially.
They will get her up with the physio probably the next day. & walking short distances on day 3.
My Dd came home after about 5 or 6 days. Then she had physio, nurse to change dressings at home.
Theres probably loads more Ive forgotten.
Remember they recover fast so the first days will soon pass
She should avoid any shocks until the bone graft has taken.. 6 weeks?
So jumping, running etc