Answer
Being referred for a scoliosis assessment by your doctor does not mean that she has to have surgery.
Your scoliosis specialist will first take a history, examine your daughter and take X-rays if indicated. The first task is to determine whether she has scoliosis, and if so, what kind and how big.
Most teenage girls with scoliosis have idiopathic scoliosis, which can be treated with observation, bracing, and only as a last resort if a curve continues to grow, surgery. Your doctor is just concerned that a specialist may be needed to help with recommendations for treatment. Check out some websites for more information, the Scoliosis Research Society at www.SRS.org, our website at www.SpineAustin.com.
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