There are several types of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and these are usually named after the part of the spine that is affected. Surgery is usually recommended in curvatures of 45 to 50%. There are two ways to approach this surgery: one is the posterior and the other is the anterior approach. As a general rule, the anterior approach is mainly used for correction at the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1). Both approaches will involve the use of screws and rods, removal of discs and adding extra bone to encourage the spine to 'fuse'. This fusion can take anywhere between 3 or 6 months (possibly a year) to fuse completely.