Early fidelity and long-term drift: do we achieve preoperative alignment goals in adult spinal deformity?
摘要
To determine how often adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery meets preoperative sagittal alignment goals and whether these corrections are durable over time, including the impact of planning frameworks and enabling technologies.
MethodsWe performed a PRISMA-guided search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus through June 2025. Eligible studies enrolled adults undergoing ASD surgery where preoperative alignment targets were defined by numeric thresholds (e.g., SVA, PI–LL, PT), algorithmic frameworks (e.g., Roussouly, GAP), or technology-assisted modalities (e.g., virtual surgical planning/patient-specific rods/robotics/custom implants). Outcomes included plan-to-achieved alignment fidelity, longitudinal maintenance of targets, mechanical complications, and PROMs. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I. When data were sufficiently homogeneous, random-effects meta-analyses were performed for commonly reported targets (SVA < 5 cm, PI–LL ≤ 10°, PT ≤ 20°).
ResultsFifteen unique studies (Fig.
Adult spinal deformity surgery reliably achieves planned sagittal alignment early postoperatively, but long-term durability is variable. Pelvic tilt is the most difficult parameter to correct and maintain, with loss of correction by one to two years. Alignment strategies emphasizing restoration of physiologic sagittal profile, particularly Roussouly-based frameworks, show superior long-term maintenance and fewer mechanical failures than isolated numeric targets. Although patient-reported outcomes improve consistently, enabling technologies enhance alignment fidelity without consistent incremental PROM benefit. Future studies should prioritize profile-driven, patient-specific planning and assess durability and patient-centered outcomes beyond two years in prospective multicenter cohorts.