Current knowledge on spinal deformities in adults

Abstract

Adult deformities of the spine, especially in older population, significantly contribute to morbidity of these patients. Although the spectrum of causes is diverse, most often these are newly formed deformations based on degenerative changes of the spine. Apart from pain, feelings of tension and other unpleasant symptoms of adult deformity, they result in biomechanical disorders, reduced mobility, and sometimes neurological deficits. Overall, spinal deformities in adults cause significant disability and poor quality of life (physical and psychological), while on the other hand, they are relatively neglected in everyday practice. Therefore, in this paper we give a narrative review of the latest findings on etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, imaging diagnostics, treatment (conservative and surgical), and postoperative rehabilitation of patients with adult spine deformities of the most common causes.

Keywords

• scoliosis – complications
• diagnostic imaging
• physiopathology
• therapy; kyphosis – complications
• therapy; lumbar vertebrae – diagnostic imaging
• physiopathology; thoracic vertebrae – diagnostic imaging