Spinal Deformity - Prof Nick Kruger

Spinal deformity means an abnormal curve of the spine, either forwards (kyphosis) or sideways (scoliosis). Deformity can develop during adolescence or later in life as the spine degenerates. Treatment focuses on pain, function and overall balance rather than the size of the curve alone.

Scheuermann's KyphosisA rigid rounded upper back from wedge-shaped vertebrae.Read more →

Adult ScoliosisSideways curvature in adults, balance and treatment options.Read more →

Standing X-rays showing Scheuermann's kyphosis from the side and adult scoliosis from the front — Scheuermann’s kyphosis (left): a rigid, rounded upper back from wedge-shaped vertebrae. Adult scoliosis (right): a sideways, twisting curve of the lower spine as the discs wear.

Revision, reconstruction and realignment

Modern deformity surgery aims to restore the natural curves of the spine and a balanced, upright posture. Careful planning using full-length standing X-rays, alignment measurements and assessment of bone health is essential. Many patients are managed successfully without surgery, and when surgery is needed, it is tailored to each patient’s goals and health.

Standing side X-rays before and after revision of a failed spinal fusion, with the fusion extended to the pelvis and a posterior osteotomy — Adult deformity after a failed fusion performed elsewhere (left). Revision surgery extended the fusion to the pelvis and used a posterior osteotomy to improve sagittal (front-to-back) balance (right).

Standing side X-rays before and after a posterior osteotomy for sagittal imbalance, with the sagittal vertical axis drawn as a yellow line — Sagittal imbalance from thoracic kyphosis and previous surgery (left), managed with a posterior osteotomy to improve her balance (right). The yellow line is the sagittal vertical axis: the further it falls in front of the base of the spine, the more the body tips forward.

Talk to Prof Kruger

If you are living with this condition and would like an opinion on your options, you are welcome to book a consultation. Please bring any recent scans and reports.

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This page is general patient education based on published research and is not a substitute for a personal consultation. Treatment is always tailored to the individual.