Dr. Baron Lonner is a best in class Flatback Syndrome orthopedic spine surgery specialists with offices in NYC (Manhattan) and Long Island (Great Neck).
Flatback Syndrome is a spinal alignment disorder that occurs when the normal inward curve of the lower back (lumbar lordosis) is lost. As a result, the body leans forward, making it difficult to stand upright without bending the hips or knees. Many patients experience chronic back pain, fatigue, difficulty walking, and a significant decline in quality of life.
Flatback syndrome was historically associated with older scoliosis surgeries using Harrington rod instrumentation, although it can also develop from degenerative spine disease, ankylosing spondylitis, previous lumbar surgery, or other conditions that alter normal spinal alignment.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex spinal deformities, including flatback syndrome and revision scoliosis surgery. As one of the best scoliosis surgeons in NYC and a leading orthopedic spine surgeon serving Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, the New York metropolitan area, the Unites States, and The World Dr. Lonner develops individualized treatment plans to restore spinal balance, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Dr. Lonner and his staff have been amazing from the time of initial consultation in 2022, through the surgery, and follow ups. It is. Please to be a patient of Dr. Lonner’s. Always pleasant and optimistic, and the greatest ever ever at his job. ~ Google
What Causes Flatback Syndrome?
Flatback syndrome develops when the natural lumbar curve becomes flattened or reversed, causing the body’s center of gravity to shift forward.
Common causes include:
- Previous scoliosis surgery with Harrington rods
- Degenerative disc disease
- Multi-level spinal arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Post-laminectomy spinal imbalance
- Failed prior spinal fusion
- Progressive sagittal imbalance
Modern scoliosis instrumentation is designed to better preserve lumbar lordosis, making flatback syndrome less common after contemporary spinal fusion procedures.
Symptoms of Flatback Syndrome
Symptoms often worsen over time and may include:
- Difficulty standing upright
- Leaning forward while walking
- Chronic lower back pain
- Fatigue after standing
- Pain in the hips or thighs
- Muscle tightness
- Difficulty walking long distances
- Loss of balance
- Reduced quality of life
Many patients find they must bend their knees or hips simply to remain upright, which places additional stress on the muscles and joints.
Diagnosing Flatback Syndrome
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the cause and severity of the spinal imbalance.
Your assessment may include:
- Complete medical history
- Physical examination
- Standing full-length spinal X-rays
- Sagittal balance measurements
- MRI or CT scan when appropriate
- Review of previous spinal surgeries
Careful imaging and surgical planning are essential, particularly for patients who have undergone prior scoliosis surgery.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the degree of spinal imbalance.
Non-Surgical Care
For mild cases, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Core strengthening
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Activity modification
- Pain management
- Targeted spinal injections
While these treatments may improve symptoms, they generally cannot restore normal spinal alignment.
Surgical Treatment
For patients with severe deformity or disabling symptoms, surgery is often the most effective treatment.
Depending on the individual case, surgery may include:
- Revision spinal fusion
- Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO)
- Corrective osteotomies
- Instrumentation replacement
- Complex spinal reconstruction
- Restoration of lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance
These highly specialized procedures are designed to realign the spine, improve posture, reduce pain, and restore the ability to stand and walk comfortably.
Why Choose Dr. Baron Lonner?
Patients from NYC, Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and across the United States and throughout the World seek Dr. Lonner for complex spinal deformity and revision surgery because of his extensive experience and patient-centered approach.
Our practice offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
- Internationally recognized scoliosis expert
- Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Expertise in revision scoliosis surgery
- Advanced osteotomy techniques
- Complex adult spinal deformity reconstruction
- Personalized treatment plans
- Comprehensive care from consultation through recovery
If you’re searching for the best scoliosis surgeon in NYC, a flatback syndrome specialist in Manhattan, or an experienced orthopedic spine surgeon in Great Neck, Long Island, our team is committed to providing advanced, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flatback syndrome be treated without surgery?
Some patients benefit from physical therapy, medications, or injections to reduce symptoms. However, significant fixed spinal imbalance often requires surgical correction to restore normal posture and alignment.
Is flatback syndrome always caused by Harrington rods?
No. Although it was historically associated with older scoliosis surgery, flatback syndrome can also develop from degenerative spine conditions, inflammatory arthritis, or previous lumbar surgery.
What is the goal of scoliosis surgery?
The primary goal is to restore lumbar lordosis and overall spinal balance, allowing patients to stand upright more comfortably while reducing pain and improving function.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing chronic back pain, difficulty standing upright, or symptoms of flatback syndrome, an evaluation by an experienced spine deformity specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Dr. Baron Lonner and the team at Scoliosis Associates provide expert diagnosis and treatment for flatback syndrome and complex spinal deformities throughout Manhattan, NYC, Great Neck, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and the Northeast, and the world, offering advanced surgical techniques designed to restore spinal alignment and improve quality of life.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner provides expert, personalized care for pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, back pain, neck pain, and complex spine conditions. Serving patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, and Great Neck, Long Island, and the world, our practice is dedicated to advanced treatment and the highest standards of safety and care.
Patients seeking an experienced scoliosis surgeon in NYC, Manhattan, or Great Neck, Long Island can turn to Dr. Lonner for individualized treatment and advanced surgical expertise. Contact Scoliosis & Spine Associates today to schedule a consultation.
Scoliosis & Spine Associates
Baron Lonner, MD
1155 Park Ave, #1
New York, NY 10128
646-499-3715
Scoliosis & Spine Associates of Long Island
Baron Lonner, MD
833 Northern Boulevard, Suite 229
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-814-9399
