Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

Abstract

The most important aspect of any surgical deformity correction is patient selection and detailed planning of the surgical approach and method of instrumentation and fusion. The goals of the surgery should always be to achieve the following: (1) restoration of sagittal balance; (2) decompression of compromised neural elements; (3) minimization of complications, pain, and discomfort; and (4) improvement quality of life. Correction of the coronal curve is much less important than the other surgical goals listed. In adult patients, surgical intervention has a high incidence of complications, and it may take 12 to 18 months for the patients to recover fully from the surgery procedure. In well-selected patients who undergo surgery, the results can be rewarding for the patient and surgeon. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.