Preface

We are pleased to present *Spinal Deformities in Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults*, a unique book with a wide scope of coverage of the topic. It presents readers with under-reported topics and treatments in spinal deformity. It also includes a very interesting case study/autobiography in which one of the authors discusses his self-management approach to his own deformity. This volume is written by specialists worldwide, all of whom have experience working with patients with spinal deformities and/or conducting valued research in the field.

The chapters examine the evidence relating to spinal deformities together with assessment tools, treatment modalities, and the various types, benefits, and side effects of these diverse treatment approaches. The book also bravely provides a more balanced view of different treatment methods, including more subjective research on the experiences of patients in treatment, an aspect that is greatly needed in this area. It also provides recent reviews on the evidence base of well-researched areas such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment. Instead of focusing on conservative treatment only, the book also includes a chapter on improving surgical outcomes. It courageously embarks upon the wider functional and psychosocial exploration of the impacts of spinal deformities as a global disease. Furthermore, the book sets a much wider focus on the research area by demonstrating a more holistic person-centered approach and collaboration with patients in their treatments, while still focusing on the needs of the patient group.

We hope clinicians working with patients, researchers, and patients and their families will find this book useful. We also hope that it will inspire further research and new innovations and patient experiences in the field of spinal deformity.

> **Josette Bettany-Saltikov and Gokulakannan Kandasamy** School of Health and Life Sciences, Allied Health Department Teesside University, United Kingdom
