Evidence basis/outcomes in minimally invasive spinal scoliosis surgery

Traditional adult scoliosis surgery is associated with long-term patient improvement in clinical and radiographic outcome measures, significant blood loss, and high likelihood of medical complications. Because the patient population undergoing adult scoliosis surgery is often elderly with medical comorbidities, minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) for adult scoliosis is theoretically appealing, because it is associated with less tissue trauma and reduced blood loss. Nevertheless, limitations exist with current techniques as far as the achievable degree of coronal and sagittal plane deformity correction. MISS scoliosis correction is reviewed, specifically regarding outcomes and complications. Limitations of current techniques and future directions are discussed.