The importance of sagittal alignment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and early onset scoliosis: A review on preoperative versus postoperative changes

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spine deformity that in pediatric patients can progressively worsen to cause esthetic issues in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and lung complications in early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Previous emphasis was placed on only correcting coronal plane deformity, but recent research has demonstrated the importance of correcting sagittal plane alignment as well. Failure to do so can lead to adjacent segment disease or abnormal global sagittal balance which negatively affects quality of life. This review article summarizes current concepts of sagittal spine alignment in terms of radiographic parameters, outcomes, and complications when surgically treating patients with AIS and EOS.