Opinion - (2025) Volume 14, Issue 3
Received: 02-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. jsp-26-182249;
Editor assigned: 04-Jun-2025, Pre QC No. jP-182249;
Reviewed: 18-Jun-2025, QC No. Q-182249;
Revised: 23-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. R-182249;
Published:
30-Jun-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2165-7939.2025.14.722
Citation: Costa, Mariana P.. ”Spinal Deformities: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes.” J Spine 14 (2025):722.
Copyright: © 2025 Costa P. Mariana This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Spinal deformities, encompassing conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis, represent a significant spectrum of musculoskeletal challenges affecting individuals across all age groups. These conditions can range from congenital abnormalities to those developing in adolescence or manifesting in adulthood due to degenerative changes. The comprehensive understanding of their etiologies, classification, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies is crucial for effective patient management. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex condition with suspected genetic and environmental influences, prompting extensive research into its origins to facilitate targeted interventions [1].
Similarly, Scheuermann's kyphosis, a specific type of dorsal kyphosis, presents unique diagnostic and management considerations in adolescents, often impacting pulmonary function and psychosocial well-being [4].
The review of spinal deformities in both children and adults highlights the importance of early detection and intervention, particularly in pediatric populations, to mitigate potential long-term complications and progression [1].
In adults, the focus often shifts to managing pain, improving function, and addressing the impact of these deformities on overall quality of life, with a growing emphasis on advanced surgical and rehabilitation techniques [1].
Adult degenerative scoliosis, a common condition in older populations, requires careful evaluation of surgical risks and benefits, as well as patient-reported outcomes [2].
For milder forms of adult scoliosis, non-operative management strategies, including physical therapy and pain management, can significantly improve quality of life despite not correcting the underlying curvature [5].
The management of adult kyphosis, whether postural or degenerative, involves a tailored approach considering spinal biomechanics, pain, and functional limitations [8].
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly being explored for adult spinal deformities, offering potential advantages in recovery and complication rates for selected patients [9].
Neurological complications can arise in pediatric spinal deformities, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible damage and preserve functional status [10].
The continuous evolution of surgical techniques for severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, incorporating advanced instrumentation and navigation, aims to enhance correction accuracy and minimize perioperative risks [6].
The multifaceted nature of spinal deformities necessitates a detailed examination of their various presentations and management paradigms. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been the subject of considerable research, with studies exploring its complex polygenic inheritance patterns and potential environmental triggers, underscoring the need for further investigation into specific genetic markers and environmental influences for preventative strategies [3].
In contrast, Scheuermann's kyphosis in adolescents presents with characteristic radiographic findings and can lead to significant pulmonary and psychosocial challenges, with treatment options ranging from conservative measures like bracing and physical therapy to surgical correction for severe cases [4].
Spinal deformities in both pediatric and adult populations require a comprehensive approach, emphasizing early detection in children to prevent progression and associated complications, while for adults, the focus is on pain management, quality of life, and the judicious selection of surgical versus non-surgical interventions [1].
The long-term outcomes of surgical correction for adult degenerative scoliosis are a key area of investigation, with studies assessing patient-reported outcomes and radiographic success, while also acknowledging the inherent risks and the ongoing debate surrounding optimal surgical techniques [2].
Non-operative management for adult idiopathic scoliosis, encompassing physical therapy, bracing, and pain modalities, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for many individuals, even if deformity correction is not achieved [5].
Adult kyphosis, whether postural or degenerative, requires careful consideration of its impact on spinal biomechanics and functional limitations, with management strategies tailored from conservative exercises to surgical interventions for severe, life-impacting cases [8].
The advancements in surgical techniques for severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are notable, with innovations in instrumentation, spinal navigation, and fusion methods aimed at improving correction accuracy and reducing complications, while also emphasizing spinal balance and sagittal alignment [6].
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is emerging as a viable option for adult spinal deformities, with comparative studies suggesting potential benefits in terms of reduced pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications for carefully selected patients [9].
The neurological impact and quality of life considerations in pediatric spinal deformities are significant, involving potential spinal cord compression and radiculopathy, which are addressed through advanced imaging and surgical strategies focused on neural decompression and spinal stabilization [10].
Furthermore, a systematic review on bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis highlights the importance of optimizing brace type, wear time, and treatment duration to effectively halt or slow curve progression, while acknowledging the challenges of patient compliance and achieving consistent outcomes [7].
This collection of research addresses spinal deformities, focusing on scoliosis and kyphosis across pediatric and adult populations. It covers etiologies, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies, including surgical and non-surgical approaches. Specific attention is given to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, its genetic and environmental factors, and effective management through bracing and surgical correction. For adults, the focus is on degenerative conditions, pain management, quality of life, and the evolving role of minimally invasive surgery. Neurological implications and long-term outcomes of various treatments are also discussed, emphasizing the need for individualized care and ongoing research.
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