BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of degenerative scoliosis is unclear, and asymmetric degeneration of the main curvature region may be strongly associated with the onset and progression of scoliosis. Fully recognizing the degeneration of the main curvature region can help to inform more clinical treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the degree of degeneration in the main curvature region and the parameters of the spinal pelvis in patients with degenerative scoliosis and to understand its pathogenesis. METHODS: The medical records and imaging data of patients with degenerative scoliosis admitted to Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2018 to November 2023 were collected. The difference in the facet joint osteoarthritis between concave and convex sides of the superior and inferior facet joints of the apical vertebra was compared to analyze the correlation between parameters such as the severity of scoliosis, spinopelvic parameters, and facet joint osteoarthritis and to explore the influencing effect between parameters such as the severity of scoliosis, spinopelvic parameters, and facet joint osteoarthritis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Among the facet joint of the apical vertebra, concave side was more severe than convex side with facet joint osteoarthritis, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). On the same side (concave or convex side) of the apical vertebra superior facet joint osteoarthritis was more severe than inferior facet joint osteoarthritis, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). (2) The pelvic incidence decreased with decreasing lumbar lordosis (rs=0.509, P < 0.001). The lateral osteophyte difference increased with decreasing lumbar lordosis (rs=-0.285, P=0.033). The facet joint tropism increased with decreasing pelvic incidence (rs=-0.379, P=0.004). (3) The L5 tilt angle and disc angle were risk factors for increased main curve Cobb angle (B=1.012, P < 0.001; B=0.620, P=0.016). Pelvic incidence was a protective factor against the increase of the main curve Cobb angle (B=-0.264, P=0.003). (4) It is concluded that in cases of degenerative scoliosis, the degree of degeneration on the concave side was significantly heavier than that on the convex side at the apical vertebra. There was no significant correlation between the severity of facet joint tropism and facet joint osteoarthritis and the severity of scoliosis. Lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence played key roles in maintaining the normal spinal sequence. Pelvic incidence was a protective factor against the increase of the main curve Cobb angle. L5 tilt angle and disc angle were the risk factors for the increase of the main curve Cobb angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]