Although surgical techniques pertaining to adult spinal deformity (ASD) have advanced over the last decade, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is still a complication following surgery for ASD that continues to significantly challenge clinicians. This article aimed to report on the prevalence of PJK as well as enhance understanding of surgically modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of PJK to guide management of this postoperative complication of ASD. As the understanding of the pathogenesis as well as surgical modifications aimed at reducing the incidence of PJK have advanced, so too should clinicians' ability to implement more patient-specific operative plans and improve outcomes following realignment surgery for ASD.
Keywords: Epidemiology; Outcomes; Patient-specific factors; Risk stratification; Surgically-modifiable factors.