Update on lumbar stenosis and degenerative scoliosis: Deformity considerations when treating lumbar stenosis

Lumbar stenosis is often treated without consideration of the overall spinal alignment. However, surgery for stenosis in the presence of deformity should consider both pathologies. Attention to patient specific alignment parameters and neurologic symptoms should be a component of the preoperative plan for all lumbar spine surgeries. The ideal spinal alignment is still elusive, so a majority of research on spinal deformity in the past 10 years has focused on identifying target parameters of spinal balance to improve patient satisfaction, quality of life outcomes, and decrease failure rates. Here, the most current concepts in the application of balance and alignment in the treatment of degenerative scoliosis and lumbar spinal stenosis will be discussed.