Spine condition

Adult scoliosis and spinal deformity

A forward-leaning stance, uneven shoulders or hips, or a curve noticed in adulthood can come from arthritis-related scoliosis or loss of the spine's natural alignment.

Medically reviewed by Chad Patton, MD, MS, board-certified spine surgeon · Updated October 2026

Short answer: Adult spinal deformity includes adult scoliosis (a sideways curve) and loss of normal alignment that makes it hard to stand upright (sagittal imbalance or flatback). Many patients do well with therapy and conditioning. When pain, leg symptoms or standing tolerance become disabling, deformity correction surgery can realign the spine. It is complex surgery that calls for careful planning and an experienced team.

Types

  • Degenerative (de novo) scoliosis develops in adulthood as discs and joints wear unevenly.
  • Adolescent scoliosis that progresses in adulthood.
  • Sagittal imbalance or flatback: loss of the lower back's natural curve, sometimes after prior fusion, causing a forward lean and fatigue.

Evaluation

Full-length standing X-rays measure the curve and overall alignment. MRI or CT shows nerve compression and bone quality. Bone density testing is often part of planning, because strong bone matters for any reconstruction.

Treatment

Non-surgical care, including core and postural therapy, conditioning, injections for nerve pain and bone-health optimization, comes first for most patients. Surgery ranges from a limited decompression for leg symptoms to multi-level realignment. Dr. Patton completed fellowship training in comprehensive adult spine surgery and uses navigation and robotics to plan and carry out corrections precisely.

Surgical options Dr. Patton offers for adult scoliosis & deformity

Frequently asked questions

Can adult scoliosis be treated without surgery?

Yes, most adults with scoliosis never need surgery. Therapy, conditioning and targeted injections help many people.

How long is recovery from deformity surgery?

It varies with the size of the operation. Larger reconstructions typically need a several-day hospital stay, and recovery continues over six to twelve months.

Am I too old for scoliosis surgery?

Age alone is not the deciding factor. Overall health, bone quality and your goals guide the decision, and many patients in their 70s do well with careful optimization.

Ready to talk about your options?

Call (410) 268-8862 or book online. Bring your most recent MRI — online scheduling requires one from the past 12 months.

Schedule onlineCall (410) 268-8862