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European Spine Journal

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01-08-2015 | Review Article

Surgical treatments for degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a meta analysis

Authors: Guohua Wang, Jianzhong Hu, Xiangyang Liu, Yong Cao

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 8/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) is a spinal deformity that typically develops in adults over 50 years old. Although its etiology is unclear, asymmetric degeneration of the spine is the main cause. Individuals with DLS may experience no symptoms of the deformity, mild symptoms, or severe disability. Most patients with DLS receive conservative treatment, while a small number of patients receive surgery for severe DLS with back pain and/or progressive neurological symptoms. A variety of surgical procedures have emerged. However, a systemic comparison of these surgical procedures is currently unavailable. This study reviews the main outcomes and complications of surgical treatments.

Methods

A meta analysis of main outcomes and complications of surgical treatments of DLS was conducted through searching PubMed and EMbase databases.

Results

A total of 45 studies were included in this study, which were classified into four surgical categories. Nine studies utilized isolated decompression, 12 used short interbody fusion, 17 used long interbody fusion, and 11 studies included patients using short or long interbody fusion or surgery other than fusion, respectively. Decompression surgery is used to release the symptoms of neurogenic claudication. Spine fusion is widely utilized to prevent worsening of the curve. Instrumentation has been used together with fusion to straighten the spine, correct sagittal imbalance, and repair rotational defects. Decompression is commonly combined with fusion surgery when treating an individual with DLS.

Conclusion

Despite a high rate of complications, this review demonstrates that surgery is an effective and reasonable treatment intervention for severe DLS and ultimately improves spine function and deformity. This review also suggests that large scale, high quality studies with long term follow-up are needed to provide more reliable evidence for future evaluation.

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Title: Surgical treatments for degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a meta analysis
Authors: Guohua Wang
Jianzhong Hu
Xiangyang Liu
Yong Cao
Publication date: 01-08-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 8/2015
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-3942-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Surgical treatments for degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a meta analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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