Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Exercises, bracing, and surgery are common ways to treat this in children and teens. Untreated scoliosis in the adult may be approached differently from adolescent scoliosis. The surgeon will take into account your age and symptoms.
If you don’t have any pain or disability, then a conservative program of stretching and exercise may be all that’s needed. But if pain and disability have led to a loss of function, then surgery may be needed.
A thorough exam must be done to determine your orthopedic and medical needs. X-rays to measure the curve and classify your spinal deformity will be done. The radiologist looks at the location of the spinal curvature, the axis and angles of the bones, and the pelvic position.
The lower lumbar curve called lordosis will be reviewed carefully. Studies show that too little or too much lordosis may lead to disability requiring surgery. The type of surgery and approach (front, side, back) depends on the degree of deformity.
In the older adult, degenerative changes of the discs, soft tissues, and vertebrae are also taken into consideration. Patients with the most severe deformity and disability seem to have the best results.
It’s not clear what optimal care is for adults with scoliotic deformity. More studies are needed to compare type of deformity with results after surgery. This will help guide surgeons in choosing the right patient for surgery and selecting the best operative strategy.