title: Adult degenerative scoliosis: evaluation and management.
abstract: Degenerative scoliosis is a prevalent issue among the aging population. Controversy remains over the role of surgical intervention in patients with this disease. The authors discuss a suitable approach to help guide surgical treatment, including decompression, instrumented posterior spinal fusion, anterior spinal fusion, and osteotomy. These treatment options are based on clinical analysis, radiographic analysis of the mechanical stability of the deformity, given pain generators, and necessary sagittal balance. The high potential complication rates appear to be outweighed by the eventual successful clinical outcomes in patients suitable for operative intervention. This approach has had favorable outcomes and could help resolve the controversy.
authors.affiliation: Harris Methodist Fort Worth, Neurological Surgery, North Texas Neurological and Spine Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, USA. fesr1md@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Fernando E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Lawrence G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Lenke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome