- Lateral curvature of the spine that develops in adult patients due to degeneration of the discs and arthritis of the facet joints
- Axial back pain is more likely associated with lateral, rotational subluxation and sagittal malalignment in the lumbar legion.
- Radicular pain is more likely associated with central, lateral-recess, and/or foraminal stenosis
- Full-length anteroposterior and lateral radiographs with the patient in a standing position are needed along with MRI of spine
- Nonsurgical treatments—including medications, physical therapy, and other interventional procedures (such as selective nerve root blocks)—are usually tried first
- Persistent or increased back and leg pain after ambulation often prompt patients to consider surgical treatment
- High complication and revision rates with surgical treatment
- Fusion ending at a rotatory subluxation should be avoided
- Only selected patients will benefit from surgery
