ADULT DEGENERATIVE SCOLIOSIS

OBJECTIVE To review and define principles and features of treatment for adult degenerative scoliosis, the most common cause of adult spinal deformities. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and our clinical experience. METHODS A systematic review of Medline was conducted, including journal articles published in March 2007 and before. We searched for articles related to adult spinal deformities (scoliosis) and treatments. CONCLUSION Degenerative scoliosis is a complex disorder. The primary surgical aims are to decompress the neural elements, normalize both sagittal balance and coronal and rotational deformity, fixate to the sacrum/ilium when appropriate, and optimize conditions for osteogenesis and fusion.