Adult Spinal Deformity

Lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis), forward kyphosis, or loss of balance in adults.

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Spine Surgery (Degenerative and Deformity)

This hub page brings together 9 conditions under Spine Surgery (Degenerative and Deformity). Use it to move from overview content to the relevant disease detail pages.

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1Overview

Quick and clear information for patients

What is this Condition?

Adult spinal deformity is the loss of shape and balance of the spine during adulthood. The spine may curve laterally (scoliosis), bend forward (kyphosis), or the natural curve of the lower back may flatten. The most common cause is degeneration of the discs and spinal joints with age; additionally, bone loss (osteoporosis) and vertebral compression fractures can lead to deformity. In some individuals, a curvature from youth (scoliosis) may progress over years and cause symptoms. Incidence increases significantly with age and is more common in women. What matters most is not the degree of curvature itself, but whether the person can stand upright, their pain level, and how much it affects daily life. As the body tilts forward and to the side, standing and walking may become difficult.

Symptoms

Persistent lower back and back pain, increasing when standing and as the day progresses

Postural deterioration: tilting forward or to the side, kyphosis

Inability to stand upright, need to bend hips and knees to maintain balance

Shortened walking distance, fatigue during walking

Pain radiating to the legs, numbness (nerve compression)

Uneven shoulders or hips, clothes not fitting properly; in advanced cases, weakness in the legs

Diagnosis Methods

The most important imaging in diagnosis is standing full-spine radiography; this image shows the spinal curvature, balance, and relationship to the pelvic bone as a whole. Curvature angles and the degree of anterior vertebral displacement are measured from this radiograph. MRI is performed if nerve or spinal cord compression is suspected. Bone density testing (DEXA) may be performed to assess bone quality.

Treatment Methods

In mild deformities with preserved balance, treatment generally does not require surgery: physical therapy, exercises strengthening the abdominal and back muscles, pain management, and if necessary, treatment of bone loss. These methods help reduce pain and complaints. Surgery is considered when pain and postural abnormality severely restrict daily activities, balance is compromised, or neurological weakness develops due to nerve compression. During surgery, the spine is corrected appropriately and supported with screws and rods to restore upright posture and balance. The method and extent are planned according to the degree of deformity and the patient's general condition.

Non-surgical treatment: physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and pain management (first-line)

If bone loss is present, bone-strengthening treatments

In patients with nerve compression in a limited area, smaller (closed/minimally invasive) surgical procedures

In advanced deformities, extensive surgery with spinal correction supported by screws and rods

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

3 links

Lomber posterior enstrümantasyon ve greft

Lomber posterior enstrümantasyon ve greft procedure

Open treatment detail

Lomber laminektomi ile dekompresyon + posterior enstrümantasyon + greft

Lomber laminektomi ile dekompresyon + posterior enstrümantasyon + greft procedure

Open treatment detail

Transforaminal Anterior Epidural Block

Injection for pain control and treatment at the spinal canal level

Open treatment detail

References

Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023.
Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011.
Steinmetz MP, Benzel EC, eds. Benzel's Spine Surgery. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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Adult Spinal Deformity

Spine Surgery (Degenerative and Deformity)

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Lomber posterior enstrümantasyon ve greft

Lomber laminektomi ile dekompresyon + posterior enstrümantasyon + greft

Transforaminal Anterior Epidural Block

References

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Lomber posterior enstrümantasyon ve greft

Lomber laminektomi ile dekompresyon + posterior enstrümantasyon + greft

Transforaminal Anterior Epidural Block

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