Abstract
The purpose of this review is to look at the incidence of post-laminectomy kyphosis in achondroplasia patients and to determine whether skeletal maturity and the number and location of laminectomies predict kyphosis in this patient population. Our review of the literature included all articles from MEDLINE/PubMed and Ovid from inception to 2019. After removing duplicates and checking for relevancy, the final number of articles yielded was eight. The results of this review summarize the incidence of post-laminectomy kyphosis in achondroplasia patients. In conclusion, we suggest fusion be considered in conjunction with multilevel laminectomies due to a high incidence of kyphosis with a need for stabilization in the pediatric achondroplastic patient population.
Highlights
BackgroundAchondroplasia is the most common form of human skeletal dysplasia, arising from failure of endochondral ossification and longitudinal bone growth, with an estimated incidence of one in 28,000 [1,2]
In 1987, Pyeritz et al published a retrospective study on the long-term effects of thoracolumbosacral laminectomy in 22 achondroplasia patients
Follow-up after the first laminectomy averaged eight years. Of those 22 patients ages 13.5-61.5, with average age 32.8 years, kyphosis occurred in three patients, with two patients requiring fusion for post-laminectomy kyphosis [8,12]
Summary
Achondroplasia is the most common form of human skeletal dysplasia, arising from failure of endochondral ossification and longitudinal bone growth, with an estimated incidence of one in 28,000 [1,2]. Spinal canal narrowing is common in patients with achondroplasia due to anatomical deformities including short stature with a normal spine length, 30% to 40% thicker pedicles, and progressively narrowing interpedicular spacing caudally. Other clinical findings include increased angle between the lumbar spine and sacrum, thickened lamina, intervertebral disc widening, and scalloped posterior vertebra. These deformities increase the incidence of spinal cord compression and cauda equina [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. The neurological sequelae caused by these anatomic differences have necessitated surgical treatment, with laminectomy being the most common [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
