The lecture begins with an examination of the epidemiology of adult scoliosis before moving on to look at its natural history and progression with a clinical example. The classification of adult scoliosis is explained, including the Schwab and Berjano and Lamartina classification systems. An overview of the clinical presentation is given, followed by an in-depth look at the health-related quality of life in relation to this pathology.

1. To understand that adult scoliosis is a complex, multietiological and polyform spinal deformity in adult life, possibly beginning in adolescence.
2. To be able to value the different classification systems in order to make adequate indications for different treatment modalities.
3. To be aware that the treatment of adult scoliosis is only secondary related to the X-rays but rather has to take into consideration the exact pain history, the clinical assessment and the health status of the patient.
4. To understand and to make the medical community aware that a spinal deformity (scoliosis) has sometimes a higher impact on the HRQOL than other chronic disease burden.
5. To be able to explain to the patient and their family, why a surgical treatment usually has a better outcome than a non-surgical treatment.