The Primary Care’s Guide to Evaluating and Managing Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Authors

Kayla Hines, Virginia University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Orthopedics- Spine Surgery

Advisor

Thomas Colletti

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide education and guidance for the primary care provider and/or general orthopedic provider in early evaluation and management of adult degenerative scoliosis.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the key words “adult” "degenerative" and “scoliosis.” After narrowing down my search to articles available in full text and written within the past five years, 2163 results were found. Articles were reviewed to ensure that they covered the subject correlated with general management and outcomes and not too specialized in discussion of surgical technique.

Results: In the absence of red flag symptoms in degenerative scoliosis patients with higher disability scores have better outcomes with surgical management.

Conclusion: Providers at both the primary care and specialists level should ensure adequate time in counseling the patient adult degenerative scoliosis. Medical optimization is paramount. Patient reported surgical outcomes for both groups are inversely proportional to the level of pre-operative disability.

Recommended Citation

Hines K. The Primary Care’s Guide to Evaluating and Managing Adult Degenerative Scoliosis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 4(1).