Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis occurs when the spine rotates and curves sideways by more than 10 degrees. In people aged 18 and over, adult scoliosis presents with lower-back and upper-back pain, postural changes and restricted movement.

Two types of adult scoliosis

There are two types of adult scoliosis. In the first, scoliosis develops during adolescence, progresses, and is recognised in adulthood; we call this adult scoliosis carried over from adolescence. In the second, scoliosis develops through deterioration of the discs, the structures between the vertebrae; we call this de novo scoliosis.

How we decide on surgery

Clinical and radiological assessment of the patient is essential when deciding on surgery. We evaluate the severity of the patient's back and lower-back pain; we look at the degree of the curve and whether it is progressing; and we assess the balance of the shoulders and pelvis as well as sagittal (side-view) balance.

The goal of surgery

Our aim in surgery is a good correction, correction of the patient's thoracic hump, and balanced shoulders and pelvis.

A patient example

This patient had a double curve, pain that seriously affected quality of life, a curve exceeding 50 degrees that was progressing, and a left shoulder higher than the right. We therefore performed a correction and fusion procedure covering both curves.