Deformity of the spinal column is a wide array of complex abnormalities that goes beyond scoliosis that is the most well known spinal deformity disorder. These can have unknown causes as in adolescent idiopathic (ie; unknown) scoliosis (AIS) or degenerative scoliosis can be caused by curvature developing in the aging spine. Kyphosis is the other major deformity disorder characterized by bending forward of the spinal column and can affect any region of the spine from the neck to the low back region. These can be caused by degenerative changes, previous surgery, and previous fracture/injury with healing in a bent-forward position.
Publications:
Image: Illustrations of how scoliosis curvature is determined from x-rays of the thoracic and lumbar regions
Samudrala S, Vaynman S, Thiayananthan T, Ghostine S, Bergey DL, Pashman RS, Johnson JP:. Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Kyphosis of the Cervicothoracic Junction: A New Approach, Journal of Neurosurgery-Spine, December 2010
Mundwiler ML, Siddique K, Dym JM, Perri B, Johnson JP, Weisman MH. Complications of the spine in ankylosing spondylitis with a focus on deformity correction. Neurosurg Focus 24 (1): E6, 2008
Bergey D, Pashman RS, Johnson JP. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Defomity Correction Surgery. In: Benzel EC (ed.) Spine Surgery: Techniques, Complication Avoidance, and Management 2nd Edition, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2005, pp 931-935.
Johnson JP, Pashman RS, Lauryssen C, Anand N, Regan JJ, Bray RS: The changing role for neurosurgeons and the treatment spinal deformity. J Neurosurg Spine 2(3): 233-242, March 2005