Dear Colleagues,

Advances in diagnosis in the treatment of spinal deformities derive from continuous study and development in multiple fields, ranging from genetics to clinical engineering. The objectives of these areas of study and work are all aimed at the prevention, if possible, or early diagnosis of a deformity of the rachis and treatment with conservative or surgical techniques that are effective and less and less aggressive.

The development of new radiographic diagnostic techniques is a valid new system for studying the deformities of the spine of patients of any age (from pediatric to adult scoliosis)  with less and less exposure to radiation. The possibility of performing 3D imaging reconstructions and the use of 3D printers is providing great innovative support for the customized construction of orthopedic corsets and for accurate preoperative planning in the most severe deformities. Surgical techniques with extensible systems allow for the early treatment of scoliosis arising in pediatric age, allowing to maintain the growth of the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are reducing the severity of surgery in developmental age and adulthood, reducing surgical times and hospital stays. The use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring reduces neurological risks during the surgical correction of deformities of the spine. The innovative anesthetic techniques make it possible to operate on very complex spine deformities such as those that are neuromuscular and/or associated with rare diseases.  The future of patients with spinal deformity will continue to evolve, allowing more targeted therapeutic decisions, thanks to multidisciplinary involvement, enabling the achievement of increasingly effective clinical results.

This Special Issue will analyze the results of ongoing studies and the most recent experiences still in progress.

Topics will include:

• The epidemiology of spinal deformities;
• The role of innovative radiological techniques in the choice of treatment;
• The current role of the conservative treatment of spinal deformities;
• Innovative surgical techniques for the treatment of early and adult spinal deformities;
• Innovative anesthetic techniques that allow the surgical treatment of the most complex spinal deformities.

Dr. Tiziana Greggi
Guest Editor

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• scoliosis
• kyphosis
• spondylolisthesis
• conservative treatment
• surgical treatment