Spinal Malalignment: The Rationale for Updated Terminology for Patients with Spinal Deformity

Spinal malalignment occurs when the contour of the spine is pathologically altered in at least one plane (sagittal, coronal, or axial). There exists a wide array of these common conditions which often have a profound impact on patients ’ quality of life.[1] The prevalence of scoliosis, for instance, is estimated at 1-3% among adolescents and up to 68% in patients over the age of 65.[2,1] Patients with spinal malalignment, often described as having “spinal deformities,” are sometimes disparaged or even demonized as in Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Figure 1).
Source: The Spine Journal - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Perspective Source Type: research