No Visalia office, but a short drive
All of our care is in Fresno. We do not have a Visalia office or clinic days in Tulare County. The drive is about 44 miles from central Visalia, using Highway 198 and Highway 99, and usually takes under an hour.
Deformity surgery involves more visits than most spine operations, so being close helps. Planning visits can often be done in a morning. While you recover at Fresno Surgical Hospital, family can come up from Visalia for the day. Kaweah Health in Visalia offers spine care too. Adults who come to us from Visalia are often looking for a second opinion on a big operation, or were referred for a deformity evaluation.
What adult spinal deformity is
An adult spine can lose its normal shape in a few ways. It can curve sideways (scoliosis). It can lose the inward curve of the low back, so the body tips forward (flatback). It can round forward in the upper or middle back (kyphosis). A vertebra can slip forward on the one below it (spondylolisthesis). Some people have more than one of these at once.
These changes can cause back pain, leg pain from pinched nerves, and trouble standing tall. Many people notice they lean forward more as the day goes on or need to rest after short walks. Read more on our adult spinal deformity page.
What correction surgery involves
Adult deformity correction has two main goals: take pressure off the nerves and bring the spine back into better balance. It usually includes a fusion over several levels, held with screws and rods. Sometimes the surgeon removes a wedge of bone to change the shape of the spine. Navigation is often used to guide the screws.
These are large operations. They mean a hospital stay, a recovery that takes months, and more risk than smaller spine surgeries. Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, the bones not fusing, hardware problems, and problems at the level next to the fusion.
Many adults with a curve never need surgery. Therapy, exercise, activity changes and pain care help a lot of people. Surgery is considered when the deformity keeps you from daily life and other care has not been enough.
Who we see from Visalia
Many of the adults who ask about deformity care are older and have watched their posture change slowly. Some spent years in farm work, dairies or other physical jobs around Tulare County. Others have had one or more past back surgeries and have developed a new problem above or below the old fusion. Some have lumbar stenosis along with a curve, which causes leg pain when standing or walking.
Your age alone does not decide whether surgery makes sense. Your health, bone strength, symptoms and goals do.
Trying nonsurgical care first
For most adults with a curve, the first steps are not surgery. Physical therapy to build core and hip strength, staying active, weight control, and medicine or injections for flare-ups help many people stay on their feet. Much of that care can happen in Visalia. Surgery moves up the list when pain, leg symptoms or loss of balance keep getting worse despite that care. Our article on adult scoliosis explained covers the basics in plain terms.
Planning ahead from Visalia
Good planning lowers risk and makes recovery smoother. Here is what to expect.
- Full-spine x-rays. Standing x-rays of the whole spine, plus MRI or CT. We may take our own standing films even if you had x-rays in Visalia.
- Health work-up. Bone density, nutrition, blood sugar and heart and lung health. Dr. Higginbotham is first author of a national study on how spine surgeons check nutrition, function and bone health before surgery (JAAOS, 2024).
- Home setup. Line up help at home for the first weeks. A firm chair with arms makes sitting and standing easier.
- Hospital stay. Several days is common. Because Visalia is close, family can visit without needing a hotel.
- Therapy and follow-up. Therapy can often be done in Visalia. Follow-up visits in Fresno continue through the first year.
The spine surgery preparation checklist has more on getting your home ready.
Visalia deformity FAQ
Am I too old for deformity surgery?
Age alone does not rule it out. We look at your overall health, bone strength and goals. Sometimes the answer is a smaller operation or no surgery.
How long will I be in the hospital?
It depends on how many levels are treated and how you recover. Several days is common. We will give you an estimate at your planning visit.
Will I be taller after surgery?
Some people stand straighter and may measure a bit taller. The main goals are less pain and better balance, not height.
Can I do my rehab in Visalia?
Usually, yes. We send orders to a therapy clinic near you and stay in touch with your therapist.