OBJECTIVE: To review and define principles and features of treatment for adult degenerative scoliosis, the most common cause of adult spinal deformities. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and our clinical experience. METHODS: A systematic review of Medline was conducted, including journal articles published in March 2007 and before. We searched for articles related to adult spinal deformities (scoliosis) and treatments. CONCLUSION: Degenerative scoliosis is a complex disorder. The primary surgical aims are to decompress the neural elements, normalize both sagittal balance and coronal and rotational deformity, fixate to the sacrum/ilium when appropriate, and optimize conditions for osteogenesis and fusion.
