Does alignment with Roussouly classification improve outcomes in well-aligned adult spinal deformity patients?

Background: Correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD) using the Roussouly classification, SRS-Schwab classification, or the global alignment and proportion (GAP) score is associated with reduced mechanical complications. However, the benefit of combining these frameworks is unclear. Methods: This study included ASD patients undergoing corrective surgery (2018–2023). Patients were classified as Roussouly “Match” or “Mismatch” based on concordance with their theoretical type, and well-aligned subgroups were defined as sagittal vertical axis ≤5 cm, pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis ≤10°, or a GAP score ≤6. The primary outcome assessed was mechanical complications. Results: Among 174 patients, overall Roussouly classification-matched patients showed no significant differences in mechanical complications compared to mismatched patients. In addition, no significant differences were found between matched and mismatched patients within each subgroup. These findings persisted after adjustment for demographic and comorbidity factors. Conclusion: In ASD patients already well-aligned by established sagittal parameters, Roussouly matching does not provide additional reduction in mechanical complications. Therefore, surgical planning could prioritize key sagittal alignment targets, while future studies should evaluate whether additional alignment strategies improve broader patient outcomes.