Description
In this presentation, Spinal Consultant Morgan Jones discusses adult spine deformities at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital. The talk begins with demographic trends, highlighting an increasing proportion of older adults (65+) in society who may experience spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, particularly in the aging population, where approximately 68% of those over 60 show signs of scoliosis. Jones categorizes adult spine deformities into three main types: "denovo deformities" arising from degenerative changes, "adult idiopathic scoliosis" in patients who had scoliosis during adolescence, and "iatrogenic deformities" stemming from past surgical procedures.
The presentation explains various planes of spinal deformities (sagittal, coronal) and their impact on patients’ daily lives, including significant back pain and reduced quality of life compared to those without deformities. Research shows patients with symptomatic spine deformities report health scores comparable to those with severe chronic illnesses. Symptoms can include back pain, radiculopathy, and neurogenic claudication, addressed through comprehensive assessments and radiologic evaluations.
Treatment is initially conservative, with non-operative strategies recommended for milder cases or those with significant comorbidities. Surgical interventions range from decompressions to complex osteotomies aimed at correcting severe deformities. However, surgery involves high risks, including complications and readmission rates. Evidence shows patients typically experience improved health outcomes post-surgery, maintaining benefits over time.
The talk concludes with a summary of the complexities of spinal deformities and the need for cost-effective patient care solutions, emphasizing the potential role of technology and predictive modeling in enhancing treatment outcomes.