Adult degenerative scoliosis: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To review and define principles and features of treatment for adult degenerative scoliosis, the most common cause of adult spinal deformities.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Birknes
John K
JK
Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
White
Andrew P
AP
Albert
Todd J
TJ
Shaffrey
Christopher I
CI
Harrop
James S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000639:trends