Adult deformity correction techniques

Adult spinal deformity is a common disorder with an increasing clinical and societal impact based on the aging demographic throughout the world. Adult spinal deformity in the adult population has a significant and measurable impact on health-related quality of life. A significant proportion of this affected populace will require treatment in some form or another. In general, the first-line of treatment is non-operative, but a subset will require operative intervention. Once surgical intervention is chosen, there are numerous methods that may provide surgeons with adequate tools for successful outcomes. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the importance of adult deformity in the spectrum of disorders that affect the spine, to define specific considerations that are useful in guiding an evidence-based approach to care, and to elaborate on the variety of surgical techniques for which to address the issue of spinal deformity.