CHAPTER 1: SCOLIOSIS DEMYSTIFIED     Spinal Anatomy     Defining Scoliosis     Causes Of Scoliosis     Classifying Scoliotic Curves     Measuring Scoliotic Curves    Click to read this section!     Progression Is The Enemy     Risks Of Severe Or Progressing Curvatures     Putting It All Together CHAPTER 2: UNDERSTANDING SPINAL FUSION     Indications and Contraindications For Surgery     The Goals Of Surgery     Overview Of the Surgical Procedure     Posterior-Approach Surgery     Anterior-Approach Surgeries     Combined Anterior/Posterior Approaches     The Thoracoscopic/Endoscopic Approach     The Short Segment Bone-on-Bone Technique    New in the Third Edition     Bone Grafting Options     Thoracoplasty (Rib Hump Removal)    Click to read this section!     Estimating Correction     Impact On Flexibility    Click to read this section!     Surgical Instrumentation     Common Complications During Surgery     Longer-Term Surgical Risks And Complications     Bracing Failure—Why Do I Need Surgery Now?     Scoliosis Surgery For Infants And Juveniles     Deciding To Have Surgery    Click to read this section! CHAPTER 3: ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY     Medications     Simple Pain Management Techniques     Professional Pain Management     Alternative Treatments     Quackery CHAPTER 4: PLANNING SURGERY     Choosing A Surgeon     Second Opinions     Choosing A Hospital     Setting A Date For Surgery     Scheduling Surgery Around Pregnancy     Paying For Surgery     Establishing A Support System CHAPTER 5: PREPARING FOR SURGERY     Preparing Yourself Mentally And Emotionally     Preoperative Exercise, Diet, And Nutrition     Donating Blood     Medications     Getting Your House And Life In Order     Preparing Your Body     Preadmission Examinations And Testing     Final Consultation With Your Surgeon     The Day Before Surgery     The Day Of Surgery CHAPTER 6: THE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE FROM ADMISSION TO DISCHARGE     Preoperative Procedures     The Operating Room     Postoperative Recovery Room     Intensive Care Unit     Your Hospital Room     Visitors In The Hospital     Postoperative Bracing     Discharge From The Hospital     Getting Home CHAPTER 7: RECOVERY, COPING, AND GETTING ON WITH YOUR LIFE     Keeping Perspective     Defining “Recovery”     Initial Restrictions     Common Problems     Postoperative Pain Management     Diet And Nutrition     Taking Care Of Your Incision Site And Scars     Returning To Work Or School     Sex While Recovering     Postoperative Depression And Fears     Follow-Up With Your Surgeon     Victory APPENDIX A: Getting Your House And Life In Order APPENDIX B: Resources GLOSSARY INDEX    ► Read testimonials    ► Read a sample excerpt from the book    ► Learn about the author