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Updated: May 28, 2026

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity

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Published on: September 16, 2022

Adult spine deformity.

Christopher R Good¹, Joshua D Auerbach, Patrick T O'Leary

¹Virginia Spine Institute, 1831 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA, 20190, USA, crgood@SpineMD.com.

Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine

|October 25, 2011

Summary

Adult spinal deformity, affecting an aging population, presents with varied symptoms due to spinal degeneration. Treatment decisions for this condition depend on symptom severity and intervention risks.

Area of Science:

Orthopedics
Neurosurgery
Geriatrics

Background:

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex condition with diverse etiologies.
It is increasingly prevalent in the aging US population (adults 55-64 years).
Symptoms often involve progressive deformity, axial back pain, and neural element compression.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the presentation and management considerations for adult spinal deformity.
To highlight the growing impact of ASD on healthcare due to population aging.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical presentations and etiologies of adult spinal deformity.
Discussion of factors influencing treatment decisions (operative vs. nonoperative).

Main Results:

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ASD symptoms are linked to progressive, asymmetric spinal degeneration and potential neural compression.
Patient presentation varies, encompassing deformity progression, back pain, and neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

The increasing elderly population will likely lead to more cases of symptomatic spinal conditions.
Treatment strategies for ASD are individualized based on symptom severity, deformity type, and surgical risk.