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Adult spine deformity

  • Spine (Matthew E. Cunningham, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Adult spinal deformity may occur as the result of a number of conditions and patients may present with a heterogeneous group of symptoms. Multiple etiologies may cause spinal deformity; however, symptoms are associated with progressive and asymmetric degeneration of the spinal elements potentially leading to neural element compression. Symptoms and clinical presentation vary and may be related to progressive deformity, axial back pain, and/or neurologic symptoms. Spinal deformity is becoming more common as adults 55–64 years of age are the fastest growing proportion of the U.S. population. As the percentage of elderly in the United States accelerates, more patients are expected to present with painful spinal conditions, potentially requiring spinal surgery. The decision between operative and nonoperative treatment for adult spinal deformity is based on the severity and type of the patient’s symptoms as well as the magnitude and risk of potential interventions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Virginia Spine Institute, 1831 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA, 20190, USA

    Christopher R. Good & Thomas C. Schuler

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1650 Grand Concourse, 7th Floor, Bronx, NY, 10457, USA

    Joshua D. Auerbach

  3. Midwest Orthopaedic Center, 6000 N. Allen Rd, Peoria, IL, 61614, USA

    Patrick T. O’Leary

Authors
  1. Christopher R. Good
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  2. Joshua D. Auerbach
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  3. Patrick T. O’Leary
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  4. Thomas C. Schuler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher R. Good.

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Good, C.R., Auerbach, J.D., O’Leary, P.T. et al. Adult spine deformity. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 4, 159–167 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-011-9101-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-011-9101-z

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