Adult Spinal Deformity

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) refers to abnormal curvature or malalignment of the spine that develops or persists into adulthood. It can result from a variety of underlying conditions and may significantly impact your posture, mobility, and quality of life. The deformity often involves one or more regions of the spine—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or a combination.

Types of Adult Spinal Deformity

Type	Definition	Causes
Scoliosis	A lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine, often resulting in an “S” or “C” shape.	Can be idiopathic, degenerative, or secondary to neuromuscular disorders.
Kyphosis	An excessive forward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched or rounded back.	Often due to osteoporosis (compression fractures), Scheuermann’s disease, or degenerative changes.
Lordosis	An exaggerated inward curve of the lower back.	Often caused by spondylolisthesis or muscular imbalances.
Flatback Syndrome	A loss of the normal curvature of the lower spine, resulting in a straightened back and difficulty standing upright.	Associated with previous spinal surgery, degenerative changes, or poor posture.
Spondylolisthesis	One vertebra slips forward over the one below it, leading to malalignment.	Can be congenital, degenerative, or result from trauma.

Causes of Adult Spinal Deformity

Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear of discs and facet joints leads to instability.
Previous Spinal Conditions or Surgery: Untreated adolescent scoliosis or previous surgeries (spinal fusion, laminectomy) can contribute to deformity.
Osteoporosis: Weak, brittle bones may fracture and deform, especially causing kyphosis.
Trauma: Injuries can cause fractures, dislocations, or other changes that result in deformity.
Neuromuscular Conditions: Disorders like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy lead to imbalances in the spine.
Inflammatory Conditions: Disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylitis or Rheumatoid Arthritis may lead to progressive deformity or spontaneous fusion.

Symptoms of Adult Spinal Deformity

Pain: Chronic back pain, which may be localized or radiate into the legs (sciatica) if nerves are compressed.
Postural Changes: Visible deformities like a hunched back, swayback, or uneven waist/shoulders.
Difficulty Walking or Standing: Imbalance and misalignment make it hard to stand upright or walk for long periods.
Neurological Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the limbs due to nerve compression.
Decreased Lung Function: Severe thoracic deformity may reduce lung capacity and breathing efficiency.
Impact on Quality of Life: Significant limitations in daily activities, emotional distress, and decreased independence.

Treatment Options

Treatment of adult spinal deformity is tailored to the severity of the condition and the patient’s symptoms.

Non-surgical: Physical therapy, pain management (medications, injections), bracing, and lifestyle modifications (weight management, exercise).
Surgical: When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be performed to correct the deformity, stabilize the spine, and relieve nerve compression.

Comprehensive Care

Adult spinal deformity requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, often involving a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Early intervention and ongoing management are crucial to minimizing symptoms and improving function.

Surgery - Adult Spinal Deformity | Patient Reported Outcomes - Adult Spinal Deformity

Adult Spinal Deformity

Understanding this complex condition in simple terms

Adult Spinal Deformity

Types of Adult Spinal Deformity

Causes of Adult Spinal Deformity

Symptoms of Adult Spinal Deformity

Treatment Options

Comprehensive Care

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