Thoracolumbar Deformity Impedes Improvement of Lower Extremity Compensatory Mechanisms in Postoperative Cervical Deformity Patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Previous studies have shown that thoracolumbar deformity (TLD) often correlates with lower extremity compensation as well as changes in cervical spine alignment. Likewise, correction of thoracolumbar deformity leads to better alignment of the cervical spine and decreased lower extremity compensation. However, current literature is devoid of evidence regarding whether surgical correction of cervical deformity (CD) leads to changes in the remaining spine or on lower extremity alignment.