The Penn Spine Center adult spinal deformity treatment team is highly experienced in minimally invasive surgical techniques and non-surgical spine intervention therapies. It consists of spine surgeons and physicians across multiple disciplines, including physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), neurosurgery and pain management.
The team is supported by anesthesiologists, a neuromonitoring team and physical and occupational therapists that guide you through surgery and post-operative recovery all the way to follow-up care.
First line treatments for spinal deformities are typically conservative.
Non-Surgical Treatment
These non-surgical treatments consist of:
- Bracing
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Medication and pain management techniques
If non-surgical treatment is not effective, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical Treatment
When surgery is necessary, we offer minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible and if appropriate. Minimally invasive surgical techniques may result in shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and less pain overall.
Minimally invasive techniques for adult spinal deformities offered at the Penn Spine Center include:
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): approaching the spine from the front of the body
- Direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF): approaching the spine from the side of the body
- Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF): approaching the spine from the flank (the area between the hip and the rib)
These surgical techniques spare the disruption of muscles, ligaments and bones through the use of endoscopic technologies. Disc material is removed from in between lumbar vertebrae, creating a space. Then, a bone graft or implant is inserted into the space, supported by rods and screws to correct the deformity.