Analysis and treatment of postoperative complications using one-stage posterior spinal osteotomy in the treatment of severe spinal deformity

Abstract

Objective To analyze the cause and treatment of the postoperative complications using one-stage posterior spinal osteotomy in the treatment of severe spinal deformity.Methods From September 2006 to May 2013,17 patients with severe spinal deformity (congenital scoliosis in 11 cases,congenital kyphosis in 4 cases,and congenital kyphoscoliosis in 2 cases) underwent one-stage posterior spinal osteotomy,including 5 males and 12 females with an average age of 22.6 (14-51) years.The preoperative mean coronal Cobb angle was 109° (85°-160°) while the mean sagittal Cobb angle was 104° (65°-152°).Two patients had neurological symptoms preoperatively whose spinal cord function was D,evaluated by ASIA classification.All patients were treated with pedicle subtration osteotomy and pedicle screw internal fixation,which SPO osteotomy 2 cases,PSO osteotomy 11 cases,VCR osteotomy 4 cases.Results There were 17 cases of complications in 147 patients,the complication rate was 11.6％(17/147).The causes were as followed,screw malposition in 2 cases,compromised by close of resected areas in 2 case,residual bone compression in 1 case,acute spinal cord injury in 2 cases,infection in 2 cases,broken stick or loosen hat in 3 cases,and superior mesenteric artery syndrome in 5 cases.Postoperative neurological complications occurred in 7 cases.Two cases with preoperative ASIA D became ASIA C,5 cases with normal nerve function became ASIA C in 2 cases and ASIA D in 3 cases.After surgical exploration,given Methylprednisolone and neurotrophic drugs,removal or changing of the internal fixation,anti-infection and symptomatic treatment,15 cases recovered completely and 2 cases improved partially.Conclusion One-stage posterior spinal osteotomy for severe spinal deformity is technical demanding and risky,and the postoperative complications are common.Appropriate operative procedure,close observation of sensation and motor function,timely surgical exploration and nerve decompression,and early brace wear are all required. Key words: Spinal deformity; Osteotomy; Internal fixators; Postoperative complications