UVA Health · New patientsUVA Health · Charlottesville · New patients
Deformity
Loss of the lumbar curve (lordosis) so the person must flex the hips and knees to stand upright. It is often a consequence of prior surgery, degeneration, or a fusion that was performed without restoring alignment.
Flatback is an alignment problem. Treating the pain without restoring lordosis leaves the patient leaning forward. Revision plans often combine anterior column lengthening (ALIF) with posterior osteotomies when needed.
Dr. Li’s clinical research includes how ALIF versus TLIF restores the lordosis distribution index and how that relates to proximal failure — the kind of detail that separates a durable reconstruction from a short-lived one.
FAQ
Loss of the lumbar curve (lordosis) so the person must flex the hips and knees to stand upright. It is often a consequence of prior surgery, degeneration, or a fusion that was performed without restoring alignment.
Inability to stand upright without bending the knees; Thigh and back fatigue after short periods of standing; A sense of falling forward; Hip and knee pain from compensatory posture.
Dr. Li’s clinical research includes how ALIF versus TLIF restores the lordosis distribution index and how that relates to proximal failure — the kind of detail that separates a durable reconstruction from a short-lived one.
Appointments
New patients are welcome. Call the spine clinic or send a note — the team will help you find the right visit.