Innovative surgical treatment options to improve spinal alignment, restore balance and enhance mobility, with procedures performed at TGH Brooksville.
Specialized Surgical Care for Spinal Deformities
A spinal deformity may be present from early in life or develop over time due to natural aging or ongoing wear and tear. The resulting abnormal curvature of the spine can alter the body's alignment, balance and posture, leading to pain, stiffness and limitations in daily movement. Surgery may be considered if progressive changes in the spine begin to interfere with function or quality of life and nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate relief.
At Tampa General Hospital, patients with a complex or degenerative spinal deformity can receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. Procedures are performed at TGH Brooksville, with coordinated access to consultation and follow-up care for patients throughout Brooksville, Crystal River, Spring Hill and surrounding communities.
What Is Degenerative Spine Deformity Correction Surgery?
Surgical correction for complex and degenerative spinal deformities focuses on improving alignment, restoring balance and/or relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The recommended procedure may involve correcting curvature, supporting unstable segments or addressing nerve compression.
Because spinal deformities can vary widely in terms of severity and complexity, a thorough assessment is essential to determine the safest and most effective treatment approach. Surgical planning is guided by individual factors, such as the type and location of the issue, the degree of progression, the overall stability of the spine and the patient's health and goals. In complex cases, this may include revision spine surgery or procedures involving the cranio-cervical junction when prior surgery or upper cervical instability is present.
Conditions Treated With Degenerative Spine Deformity Correction Surgery
The neurosurgery services team at Tampa General Hospital provides advanced surgical care for a range of complex and degenerative spinal deformities, including:
- Scoliosis – An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine can affect posture, balance and, in some cases, breathing or nerve function.
- Kyphosis – An excessive forward rounding of the upper spine may cause back pain, stiffness and difficulty standing upright.
- Degenerative scoliosis and other age-related deformities – Changes in spinal alignment that develop over time may result in pain, imbalance and nerve compression.
- Failed back surgery syndrome – Issues a patient who has undergone a previous spine procedure experiences, such as persistent symptoms, hardware complications or progressive deformity.
- Cranio-cervical junction disorders – Complex conditions affecting the base of the skull and upper cervical spine that may require specialized surgical stabilization or decompression.
Spinal deformities can sometimes progress, potentially leading to persistent pain, stiffness, postural changes or difficulty standing or walking. In some cases, nerve compression may cause radiating pain, numbness, weakness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs.
Advanced Surgical Techniques for Complex Cases
Depending on the specifics of the case, spinal deformity surgery may involve:
- Spinal fusion – Joining two or more vertebrae to improve alignment and stabilize the spine
- Decompression – Removing or reshaping tissue to relieve pressure on spinal nerves
- Osteotomy or other reconstructive techniques – Carefully cutting and realigning bone to correct a severe spinal deformity
Some procedures are performed in stages and involve advanced planning to restore proper balance and posture while protecting neurological function.
Spinal Care Guided by Planning and Precision
Spinal deformity surgery performed at TGH Brooksville is supported by high-definition imaging, detailed preoperative planning and, when appropriate, continuous neuromonitoring during the procedure. These advanced tools help guide precise surgical correction while reducing risk to the spinal cord and nerves.
After spinal deformity surgery, postoperative care focuses on promoting a safe recovery, full rehabilitation and long-term spinal health. The patient will receive personalized guidance on activity resumption, physical therapy and follow-up visits based on their specific procedure and recovery needs.
Team-Based Spinal Care Close to Home
At TGH, our patients benefit from collaboration across specialties, including neurosurgery, imaging and rehabilitation when needed. Our highly coordinated approach to degenerative spine deformity correction surgery supports continuity of care from the initial evaluation through recovery and beyond, helping the patient feel informed and supported at every stage.
Through Tampa General Hospital's longstanding partnership with USF Health, our patients have access to specialist expertise supported by education and research, with the latest surgical techniques available close to home at TGH Brooksville.