Scoliosis surgery in children: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden severe weakness, or inability to move an arm or leg.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team promptly for a wound that becomes more red, swollen, warm, open, or begins draining.

   Also call for fever at the threshold given by the hospital, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, new numbness, new weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

   Follow the hospital’s discharge instructions if they set out a different urgent-care plan.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Questions about dressings, constipation, medication side effects, school, or activity restrictions are usually suitable for routine contact during office hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Scoliosis surgery in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.