The Case for Deformity Correction in the Management of Radiculopathy with Concurrent Spinal Deformity

The management of adult deformity varies significantly. Options range from nonoperative care to limited decompression to decompression with limited or extensive fusion. The appropriate surgical management is the approach that optimizes the likelihood of improvement in health-related quality of life, while limiting risks of complications and costs. Decompression alone is unreliable in the setting of significant deformity contributing to radiculopathy. Decompression with limited fusion is most appropriate for patients with age-appropriate global alignment of the spine, and decompression with more extensive fusion is most appropriate for patients with progressive deformity or with global sagittal or coronal malalignment.