邱浩　初同伟

Objective:

To review and summarize the latest progress of the natural history, pathophysiological changes, diagnostic classification and treatment methods of degenerative scoliosis, and to explore a more effective therapeutic scheme.

Methods:

The domestic and foreign literatures related to degenerative scoliosis were reviewed and summarized. All the research hotspots were analyzed and the differences were compared.

Results:

Degenerative scoliosis was prevalent among the elderly people, which was believed to develop as a result of asymmetric degeneration of intervertebral discs and facet joints. Severe pain in the back and lower extremities and intermittent claudication made such patients to ask for medical assistance. At present, there were a lot of controversies on the selection of treatment methods and curative effects, because of a paucity of universally accepted classification to guide the treatment.

Conclusions:

The incidence of degenerative scoliosis is rising year by year. As a result, the life quality of patients are severely affected by the pain and functional disorders. More and more patients begin to seek surgical treatment. In spite of a high rate of surgical complications, the curative effects are not lessened.