30 years ago, i had scoli surgery/harr rods/luque wires/t-2 - l3. 20 years ago hardware removal. x-ray just showed curves increased to 47! please explain?

Pseudarthrosis: When had procedure for scoliosis included harrington rods, wires, as well as bone graft placement.When took rods out rely on bone graft holding spine in place with reduced curvature. It is possible that the bone graft developed a cleft that allows movement and increase in curvature, sometimes pain. Orthopedic specialist should be able to solve this with imaging such as bone scan and/or ct or mr.

Varies: I have seen cases like that. Possibilities include: only partial correction at time of initial surgery, crankshaft phenomena, nonunion at one or more operative sites, or progression of adjacent curves. A specialist should be able to tell you likely cause, particularly if you have old xrays still available.