Surgical treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis

Matteo Palmisani, Eugen Dema, Stefano Cervellati

November 2013, Volume 22, Issue 6, pp 829 - 833 Original Article Read Full Article

First Online: 24 September 2013

Introduction

The surgical treatment of adult scoliosis still presents many points of discussion. Decision-making on the type of treatment is mandatory to evaluate all the possible alternatives to surgery.

Materials and methods

From January 2000 to December 2008, 49 cases of adult degenerative scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis were surgically treated. Thirty-six patients were monitored for a mean of 8 years (5–10). There were 10 males and 26 females, with a mean age of 66 years (55–80). Arthrodesis was carried out using pedicle screws at all levels extending to the sacrum in 30 cases and to the ileum in 4. Laminectomy was performed in 20 cases, radicular liberation in 15, PLIF in 10.

Results

After an average term of 8 years (5–10) we record 8 (23 %) excellent cases, 10 (29 %) good, 12 (34 %) satisfactory, 5 (14 %) bad. The VAS in the pre-operative period had a value of 7 (5–9) passed in the post-operative period of 3 (0–6). 13 reoperations were performed (36 %).

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