In patients with scoliosis, if internal fixation is performed in the arch of the lumbar spine, the implanted device is usually not removed after surgery. Removal of the internal fixation device may be performed in a few special cases. For patients with severe scoliosis, or those with rapidly progressive disease, surgery is required. In this case, screws are implanted in the pedicles of the diseased lumbar vertebrae, and a longer rod system is used to reposition and immobilize the spine. After surgery, the internal fixation devices may need to be retained for a long period of time, as the cause of the scoliosis may persist, such as localized bony deformities and muscle imbalances on both sides of the spine. In some special cases, the internal fixation device may be removed. For example, if there is a postoperative infection, or if the patient strongly desires the removal of the internal fixation device, then the appropriate device can be removed. The internal fixation device may also need to be removed if the patient’s internal fixation loosens or breaks as a result of local trauma.