Spinal
Deformity
Abnormal curvature of the spine — including scoliosis and kyphosis — that may affect posture, balance, and daily function.
Spinal Deformity (Scoliosis)
Abnormal curvature of the spine that may affect posture, balance, and daily function.
Many spinal deformities are monitored rather than treated. When a curve is progressive, causing pain, or affecting function, surgery — performed with navigation-assisted precision — can correct and stabilise it.
Overview
Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvature — either side-to-side (scoliosis) or forward rounding (kyphosis). Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents, but degenerative scoliosis — developing in adults as the discs and joints wear asymmetrically — is an increasingly recognised cause of back pain and postural change in adults over 50.
What Causes It?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has no known single cause — genetic factors play a significant role. Degenerative scoliosis develops from asymmetric disc and facet joint wear over time. Congenital scoliosis results from abnormal vertebral formation before birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs secondary to conditions affecting muscle control.
What Does It Feel Like?
In adolescent scoliosis, pain is less common — the curve is often noticed through a postural check or school screening. In adult degenerative scoliosis, back pain, asymmetric posture, and in advanced cases, leg symptoms from nerve compression are the typical presentation. Severe curves can also affect breathing in extreme cases.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Full-length standing X-rays of the spine are essential — they show the curve magnitude (Cobb angle), its location, and any rotational component. MRI is added when neurological symptoms are present. Regular X-ray monitoring tracks progression over time in adolescent curves.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Observation and monitoring for mild curves below 20–25 degrees. Physiotherapy and specific exercises — the Schroth method is evidence-based for adolescent scoliosis — can slow progression and improve posture. Bracing in adolescents with growing curves between 25–45 degrees may prevent progression to surgery.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery is considered for curves that are progressive (growing despite conservative care), curves above 45–50 degrees in adolescents, adult curves causing significant pain or neurological symptoms, or deformities that significantly affect appearance or confidence. Navigation-assisted correction allows precise, safe instrumentation even in complex deformities.
Recovery
Recovery after spinal deformity correction is gradual. Patients are typically mobilised early in the post-operative period. Return to normal daily activities may take several weeks to months. For adolescents, return to most sports is possible after the fusion heals. For adults, activity progression is individually tailored, with full recovery often taking up to a year.
Ready to understand
your options?
A consultation will give you a clear diagnosis and a plan — conservative or surgical, whatever applies to your situation.