Correction Of Kyphotic Deformity Research Articles

Cervicodorsal spine tuberculosis-- surgical approach

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) of CT junction is uncommon (5 % of all spinal TB), and difficult to approach surgically in view of its deep location with sternum in front and scapula in the back. We present 7 consecutively treated cases of cervico-thoraccic TB for outcome of treatment and discuss rationale of choosing surgical approach. MethodsPresent study includes 7 freshly diagnosed cases of CT junction TB. Plain radiographs, sagittal reconstruction of CT spine that included sternum on CT/MRI was performed in all cases. Disc space below the distal healthy vertebrae was identified and a line parallel to disc space was drawn. If this line passes above suprasternal notch, it was inferred that this VB can be accessed by anterior cervical approach. If disease focus was at or below suprasternal notch level, manubriotomy/sternotomy was added for better visualization of the lesion. ResultsAll seven cases were female, with mean age of 20 years (9–45 years). The vertebral lesion involved 2VB (n = 3), 3VB (n = 2) and >3 VB (n = 2). The average Cervico-thoracic kyphosis was 15° (range 10–25°). All 7 cases were operated for anterior decompression, kyphotic deformity correction and instrumented stabilization. Anterior cervical approach and manubriotomy/sternotomy approach was performed in three cases each. In two pan-vertebral cases we performed 360° procedure. Six cases have shown first sign of neural recovery within 3 weeks of surgery and almost complete neural recovery at 3 months follow-up while one case showed partial recovery. ATT was stopped after 12 months once healed stage was demonstrated on contrast MRI in all. ConclusionsCT junction TB usually presents with severe kyphotic deformity/neural deficit. These cases require anterior decompression/corpectomy, deformity correction, gap grafting and instrumented stabilization with anterior cervical plate. Lesion with pan-vertebral disease is stabilized 360°. These lesions can be decompressed by lower anterior cervical approach with/without manubriotomy. The Karikari method was useful in deciding the need for manubriotomy to decompress the lesion.

Radiological and Clinical Outcome of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Following Short Segment and Long Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation

INTRODUCTION: The indications for operative treatment and type of stabilization procedures for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture remains controversial. Long-segment pedicle screw fixation permits correction of kyphotic deformity while short-segment pedicle screw fixation preserves motion segments, reduces costs and time of surgery. Our aim is to study the correlation and comparison between clinical and radiological outcome of both fixations and identify factors that might contribute to the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture from 2017 to 2022 were identified. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, classification of fracture, duration of hospital stays and one-year post-operative outcome of Visual Analogue (VAS) pain score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were documented. Pre- and post-operative AP/Lateral radiographs measurements of local kyphotic angle, Cobb angle were measured. Signs of fixation failure were examined at follow-up. RESULTS: Subjects mean age is 42.4, male predominance (85%) and work-related. The highest incidence was at level of L1 (56.7 %) in the long-segment and 46.7 % in short-segment. Most common injury was burst fracture (AO classification A3 A4 group) due to fall from height. There is shorter hospital stay documented in the short-segment fixation. Radiological outcome measured in both groups were comparable with no signs of fixation failure. Short-segment fixation group also resulted in better clinical and functional outcome at one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in radiologic outcome of Cobb and kyphotic angle in both fixation groups. Short-segment fixation has significantly better clinical and functional outcome post-operative and at 1-year follow up.

T1 Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy With Subaxial Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation.

Patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis are not only predisposed to the development of rigid cervicothoracic deformities but are also at an increased risk of cervical fractures. Deformity correction and stabilization are particularly challenging in this patient population due to the brittle bone quality and low bone mineral density. Thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy is a workhorse approach for the correction of focal severe kyphotic deformity with lower complication rates than 3-column osteotomy. Successful execution of an upper thoracic PSO requires careful presurgical planning as well as anticipation of the patient's postoperative needs. Here, we describe the use of a T1 PSO in the correction of a rigid cervicothoracic chin-on-chest deformity in a patient with AS. The risk of implant failure was reduced by the use of a multi-rod construct, navigated cervical pedicle screws, and dual-pitched thoracic pedicle screws.

Kyphectomy and sliding growing rod technique in patients with congenital lumbar kyphosis deformity with myelomeningocele

ObjectiveNeural tube defects are the most common congenital disorders after cardiac anomalies. Lumbar kyphosis deformity is observed in 8–15% of these patients. This deformity severely limits the daily lives of these patients. In our study, we aimed to correct the kyphosis angle of the patients with lumbar kyphosis associated with myelomeningocele (MMC) and allow them to continue their growth without limiting their lung capacity by applying kyphectomy and sliding growing rod technique.Patients and methodsIn this study, we retrospectively evaluated 24 patients with congenital lumbar kyphosis deformity associated with MMC, aged between 4 and 9 years, and who applied to Umraniye Training and Research Hospital between the dates of 2018 and 2021. We evaluated preoperative and postoperative kyphosis angles, correction rates, bleeding during operations, operation time, level of instrumentation, number of the resected vertebrae, initial levels of the posterior defects, duration of hospital stays, annual lengthening, and weight of the patients.ResultsMean age was 5.04 (between 4 and 9). Mean preoperative and early postoperative kyphosis angles were 129.8° (87–175°) and 0.79° (− 20–24°), respectively. The kyphotic deformity correction rate was 99.1%. A difference was found regarding kyphosis measurements between preoperative and early period values (p < 0.05). The annual height lengthening of patients was calculated as 0.74 cm/year and 0.77 cm/year between T1–T12 and T1–S1, respectively. Mean preoperative level of hemoglobin (Hgb) was 11.95, postoperative Hgb value was 10.02, and the decrease was significant (p < 0.05). In terms of complications, 50% (12) had broken/loosen screws, 50% (12) had undergone debridement surgery, 37.5% (9) had vacuum-assisted closure therapy, and 33.3% (8) had to get all of their implants removed.ConclusionWe believe that our sliding growing rod technique is a new and updated surgical method that can be applied in these patient groups, facilitating the life, rehabilitation process, and daily care of MMC patients with lumbar kyphosis. This technique seems to be a safe and reliable method which preserves lung capacity and allows lengthening.

Anterior column realignment (ACR) for focal kyphotic spinal deformity using an anterior to psoas approach and anterior longitudinal ligament release.

The anterior-to-psoas (ATP) approach to the lumbar spine has been proposed as an alternative to the transpsoas approach for approaching the disc space without dissecting through the psoas muscle, thus decreasing the risk of injury to the lumbar plexus. There are no prior studies that evaluates the clinical application of anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release and anterior column realignment (ACR) using the ATP approach. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the safety of ACR using an ATP approach with release of both the ALL and bilateral annulus for correction of a focal kyphotic lumbar deformity. A retrospective analysis of fourteen consecutive patients at a single institution between January 2017 and December 2019 of patients undergoing ACR using an ATP approach for lumbar flatback syndrome with focal kyphotic lumbar deformity by a single surgeon was performed. Primary outcome measures were pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters. Secondary outcome measures were perioperative adverse events (AEs), 30-day readmissions/reoperations, discharge disposition, post-operative length of stay (LOS), and radiographic complications. Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 67.0±3.9 years, 8 males, 6 females) with 15 total ACR levels were included in the study. A grade 1 posterior column osteotomy (PCO) with posterior instrumentation was performed at all ACR levels. L2-L3 ACR was performed in nine patients, L3-L4 in four patients, and L4-L5 in two patients. Mean preoperative disk lordotic angle at the ACR level was 5.4°±5.9° of kyphosis. Mean increase in postoperative disk lordotic angle was 24.0°±8.5° at a mean follow-up of 34.0±23.4 months. ACR can be performed with a complete ALL release under direct visualization using the ATP approach. This technique can be a safe and effective method for achieving substantial correction of a focal kyphotic deformity within the lumbar spine.

A comparative study between functional and radiological outcome of short and long segment transpedicular fixation for unstable thoracolumbar vertebral fractures

: Management of unstable thoracolumbar fracture remains controversial between short segment and long segment pedicle screw fixation. Surgical stabilization is indicated to adequately decompress the spinal canal, maximizing neurological recovery and creating spinal stability. : A comparative study in unstable thoracolumbar fractures fixed with short and long segment transpedicular screw fixation was done and followed up for 6 months. For functional assessment Modified MACNAB criteria, Oswestry disability index and Visual analogue scale scoring system used. Neurological status, radiological kyphotic angle correction were analyzed.: A total of 30 cases were included in the study of which 23 were male and 7 females. The mean age was 36.77 years. Younger individuals were more susceptible to road traffic accident. L1 was the most common vertebral level involved. Cases with a higher ASIA grade had a better improvement post operatively compared to one with a lesser ASIA grade preoperatively (P Value 0.003). Cases with lesser number of transfers had a better outcome at final followup. (P value 0.018). At all months of followup both short and long segment fixation groups have statistically significant kyphotic deformity correction, but long segment have better correction with 19.86 degrees pre-operative to 8.8 degrees at the end of 6 month of followup. : Short segment transpedicular fixation gives better functional outcome than long segment transpedicular fixation, but long segment transpedicular stabilization gives better radiological results in the form of kyphotic deformity correction.

Short-segment percutaneous fusion versus open posterior fusion with screw in the fractured vertebra for thoracolumbar junction burst vertebral fracture treatment.

The treatment options for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures remain a topic of controversy. Short-segment percutaneous fixation (SSPF) and short-segment open fixation including the fractured level (SSOFIFL) are both viable procedures for managing these fractures. At present, there is a lack of evidence in the literature demonstrating the absolute superiority of one treatment over the other. This study aimed to compare these two surgical strategies with a focus on radiological and clinical outcomes. This retrospective case-control multicenter analysis involved patients with A3 and A4 vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2) who underwent surgical treatment with either SSPF or SSOFIFL in the participating centers. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale (VAS) both pre- and postoperatively. Radiological outcomes included kyphotic deformity (KD), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), segmental kyphosis, and sagittal alignment parameters. A total of 156 patients were enrolled in the study, with 81 patients in Group A (SSPF) and 75 patients in Group B (SSOFIFL). Group B demonstrated better correction of KD (Group B: 3.4 ± 2.7° vs. Group A: 8.3 ± 3.2°, P = 0.003), AVBH, and sagittal alignment. A minor loss of correction was observed in Group B with respect to Group A (0.9 ± 1.7° vs 4.3° ± 2.1°, P = 0.043). Blood losses were lower in Group A (78 ± 15 min vs. 118 ± 23 min, P = 0.021) as well as during surgery (121.3 ± 34 mL vs. 210.2 ± 52 mL, P = 0.031), but the post-operative hemoglobin levels were comparable between the two groups. SSOFIFL appears to show a major amount of KD correction and prevent loss of correction. This technique should be the preferred choice whenever possible. However, SSPF can be considered a valid alternative for damage control in polytrauma patients and fractures with low KD.

Unilateral Minimally Invasive Across-Midline Vertebral Column Resection Partially Corrects Thoracolumbar Kyphosis – A Case Series

The goal of this study was to describe the indirect and partial correction of spine kyphotic deformities (secondary to various pathologies) achieved by minimally invasive posterolateral extracavitary approach (MIS-PLECA) for corpectomy. The authors retrospectively reviewed a consecutive case series of 12 patients undergoing MIS PLECA in a single institution. Perioperative data were collected and follow-up CTs and radiographs were reviewed to assess for interbody arthrodesis. The mean age was 60.7 ± 20.8 years (58.4% males). The etiologies of deformity included pathological fracture (41.6%), acute trauma (30%), and infection. An expandable cage was used in 66.7% of patients for anterior reconstruction. The mean total EBL was 764.1 ± 332.9 ml. The mean operative time was 413.3 ± 98.8 min. The average length of hospital stay was 5.8 ± 2.5 days. A consistent degree of focal correction of sagittal alignment was seen in all patients with a mean correction of sagittal angle of 7.4 ± 4.3 degrees (P<.0001). The mean duration of rehabilitation was 8.5 ± 6.7 days. All patients remained neurologically stable at the last follow-up with a mean follow-up period of 20.1 ± 12.8 months. Successful fusion was achieved in 91.7% at the last follow-up. MIS PLECA for corpectomy appears to be a feasible, safe, and effective MIS technique for select patients, particularly those who cannot tolerate the traditional open approach. Additionally, a focal sagittal deformity correction can be achieved using MIS corpectomy.

Comparison of pedicle subtraction osteotomy and vertebral column decancellation for the correction of thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The goal in this study was to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of vertebral column decancellation (VCD) and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity. This study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The authors conducted a computer search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, and Wei Pu Database to collect controlled clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of VCD and PSO for patients with AS with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity. The search covered the period from database establishment to March 2023. Two researchers screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies; these researchers recorded the authors and the sample size, and they extracted data on the intraoperative blood loss, Oswestry Disability Index, spine sagittal parameters, operation time, and complications in each study. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software provided by Cochrane Library. A total of 6 cohort studies with a total of 342 patients were included in this study, including 172 patients in the VCD group and 170 patients in the PSO group. The VCD group had lower intraoperative blood loss than the PSO group (mean difference [MD] -274.92, 95% CI -506.63 to -43.20, p = 0.02); significant correction of the sagittal vertical axis compared with the PSO group (MD 7.32, 95% CI -1.24 to 15.87, p = 0.03), and the operation time was shorter than that of the PSO group (MD -80.28, 95% CI -150.07 to -10.48, p = 0.02). This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that VCD had more advantages than PSO in correcting the sagittal imbalance in the treatment of AS with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity, and VCD had less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time, and satisfactory results in improving the quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Fixation in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Review Article

here are several surgical strategies which have been proposed to treat the osteoporotic patient with vertebral fracture, ranging from vertebral body cement augmentation, percutaneous/mini-open short segment pedicle screw fixation, and cortical bone trajectory screw to kyphotic deformity correction surgery. Minimally invasive spine surgery has the potential benefits of faster recovery, reduced blood loss, less postoperative wound pain, lower infection risk, and shorter length of hospital stay. Novel surgical techniques such as percutaneous instrumentation fixation, cortical bone trajectory technique, screw cement augmentation, and vertebral body augmentation are developed. However, various complications have been reported, including pedicle fracture, instrumentation loosening, adjacent-level disc degeneration with herniation, and progressive junctional kyphosis. The purpose of this review was to outline various advancements in minimally invasive spinal surgery for patients with osteoporosis. Minimally invasive surgical techniques for fixation including percutaneous instrumentation, cortical bone trajectory technique, screw cement augmentation, and vertebral body augmentation have benefited patient with osteoporosis. Studies and discussions about short-segment pedicle screw fixation (one level above and below the fracture level) have shown that it provides enough stability for thoracolumbar burst fractures. There are also complications, including cement embolism, adjacent vertebral fracture, neuraxial anesthesia, and infection, which have been observed with the above technique. With the advancement of instrument and technique, the complication rate decreased in recent studies. Minimally invasive fixation still has many advantages for patients with osteoporosis. Many of these studies and strategies only have evidence from biomechanical and cadaveric studies and require further clinical trials to establish their clinical efficacy.

Туберкулезный спондилит грудопоясничной локализации: выбор оптимального метода хирургического лечения на основе систематизированного обзора литературы

Introduction Tuberculous spondylitis is the most common extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The thoracolumbar lesion due to tuberculous spondylitis is one of the most difficult locations for surgical treatment. Analysis of the recent literature shows a limited amount of data on the results of various current surgical reconstruction techniques. Purpose To review the literature on surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculous spondylitis published during the last five years and judge upon an optimal method. Materials and methods A systematic literature review was performed of the sources from eLibrary, PubMed, Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria: etiologically verified tuberculous spondylitis of thoracolumbar location, follow-up ≥ 1 year, patients older than 18 years. Twenty-one studies that summarize 1,209 cases were selected. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the method of spinal reconstruction (group 1 – ventral approach, group 2 – combined approach, group 3 – dorsal approach). Surgical indicators, correction of kyphotic deformity and its dynamics in the long-term period, rates of complications and the length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results and discussion Blood loss and duration of the intervention were significantly lower in the reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine from the dorsal approach (599.6 ± 195.1 ml and 196.3 ± 35.6 min). Correction of kyphotic deformity from posterior and combined approaches was higher than in the reconstruction from the ventral approach (64 and 69 %, respectively). At the same time, an inverse proportional dependence of the degree of correction loss in the long-term period was revealed, which was higher with anterior fusion (7.3° ± 1.7° according to Cobb). The duration of hospital stay was shorter in patients with reconstructions from the dorsal approach (13.7 ± 8.2 days). The rate of complications in group 3 was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.0001), while the assessment of their structure indicates prevalence of neurological deficits in dorsal reconstructions, while in ventral and combined reconstructions, infectious complications, pneumothorax, and chronic pain syndrome in the area of autologous costal graft harvesting. Conclusion The optimal method of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculous spondylitis is a three-column reconstruction from the dorsal approach. The advantages of the method are a decrease in the rate of postoperative complications, a reduction in the duration of inpatient treatment, surgical blood loss and duration of surgical intervention.

In-Fracture Pedicular Screw Placement During Ligamentotaxis Following Traumatic Spine Injuries, a Randomized Clinical Trial on Outcomes.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of two different techniques for spinal ligamentotaxis. Spine ligamentotaxis reduces the number of retropulsed bone fragments in the fractured vertebrae. Two different ligamentotaxis techniques require clinical evaluation. This was a randomized clinical trial. The case group was defined as one pedicular screw insertion into a fractured vertebra, and the control group as a no-pedicular screw in the index vertebra. Spine biomechanical values were defined as primary outcomes and complications as secondary outcomes. A total of 105 patients were enrolled; 23 were excluded for multiple reasons, and the remaining were randomly allocated into the case (n=40) and control (n=42) groups. The patients were followed up and analyzed (n=56). The postoperative mid-sagittal diameter of the vertebral canal (MSD), kyphotic deformity correction, and restoration of the anterior height of the fractured vertebrae showed equal results in both groups. Postoperative retropulsion percentage and pain were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively). There were no group preferences for early or long-term postoperative complications. Regarding clinical and imaging properties, inserting one extra pedicular screw in a fractured vertebra during ligamentotaxis results in better retropulsion reduction and lower postoperative pain.

The role of Vertebral Augmentation Procedures in the management of vertebral compression fractures secondary to multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a systemic disorder characterised by proliferation of B-lymphocytes and plasma cells in the bone marrow. The primary aims of the management of spinal lesions in MM are pain control and fracture stabilisation. Vertebral augmentation procedures (VAP) can be subdivided into percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). BKP involves the placement of orthopaedic balloons into the fractured vertebral body, creating a void into which polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is injected. This review outlines the management of spinal lesions in patients with MM, with a focus on the comparative risks and efficacy of vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). Soft tissue masses in MM are highly radiosensitive. Bisphosphonates and newer oncological therapies have decreased the indications for palliative radiotherapy, while spinal bracing can be utilised in selected cases to provide stability. BKP and VP provide equivalent long term pain control after MM vertebral compression fractures (VCF). BKP is superior to non-operative management and VP for restoration of vertebral body height and prevention of segmental kyphosis. Current evidence suggests a greater degree of correction of kyphotic deformity and restoration of mid vertebral height (MVH) with BKP when compared with VP. The literature supports the use of BKP even in the presence of posterior vertebral body wall (PVBW) fractures, a group previously considered a contraindication to VAP. Superior functional outcomes have been reported in patients undergoing early versus delayed BKP (<6-8weeks). Current evidence supports a lower risk of cement extrusion with BKP than with VP, but serious complications following VAP are rare. MM spinal pathology should be managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Surgical decompression and instrumentation are rarely indicated, due to the radio-sensitivity of soft tissue lesions in MM. BKP is a safe and effective procedure for VCF secondary to MM.

Temporary Monosegmental Fixation Using Multiaxial Percutaneous Pedicle Screws for Surgical Management of Bony Flexion-Distraction Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine: A Technical Note.

The efficacy of minimally invasive surgeries for thoracolumbar flexion-distraction injuries (FDIs) has been reported, but those surgeries were monosegmental fusion surgeries of two adjacent vertebrae with bone grafts or temporary fixations using percutaneous pedicle screws (PPSs) that were at least bisegmental. Our idea was to fuse the fracture itself, not to fuse the fractured vertebra with an adjacent vertebra or to stabilize the fractured vertebra by bridging rostrally/caudally adjacent intact vertebrae, specifically when the displacement is minimal. This study aimed to present the surgical techniques of reduction and temporary monosegmental fixation of neurologically intact thoracolumbar bony FDIs using multiaxial PPSs, which can minimize the surgical invasiveness and preserve all motion segments, as well as report three cases treated with this procedure. When the fracture extended from the vertebral body to the spinous process at the same level, screws were placed into the fractured vertebra rostrally to the fracture along the rostral endplate, and the caudally adjacent vertebra was instrumented beyond the fracture line. When the fracture extended from the vertebral body to the spinous process of the rostrally adjacent vertebra, screws were placed into the fractured vertebra caudally to the fracture line, and the rostrally adjacent vertebra was instrumented. The kyphotic deformity was reduced through ligamentotaxis by using MPPSs in the rostral vertebra as rigid joysticks to apply direct buttress leverage to the rostral endplate. Intraoperative blood loss was minimal. The correction of kyphotic deformity and its durability were acceptable, and the segmental range of motion of the two affected vertebrae from flexion to extension was maintained after implant removal. This surgery can act as the least-invasive option for the management of thoracolumbar bony FDIs to allow early ambulation without external bracing and to preserve all the motion segments.

Analysis of technical options for decompression and stabilization surgery for injuries of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine: a systematic review of the literature

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the clinical efficacy of various technical options for surgical treatment of patients with injuries to the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. The review includes 57 studies published in 2001–2022, which were selected from the main medical databases – PubMed, Medline, and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In these publications, five options for surgical intervention were identified, the clinical effectiveness of which was determined by the degree of regression of neurological disorders, the quality of the achieved reposition, the amount of loss of correction within two years after surgery, the number of complications, the duration of operations, and the amount of blood loss. For pairwise comparison between groups, the Kruskal – Wallis test was used for several independent samples, based on the initial determination of the normality of data distribution in groups. To determine the differences between the parameters before and after the operation, the Wilcoxon test was used for two dependent samples. Differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. An analysis of the literature data showed that there are no differences in the dynamics of neurological recovery in patients with spinal cord injury in the thoracic or lower lumbar spine when using five different types of surgical treatment. There are also no differences in the quality of correction of kyphotic deformity of injured spinal motion segments between all studied groups. Statistically significant lower loss of deformity correction is noted in patients who underwent one-stage circumferential decompression through posterolateral approach and decompression through combined approaches. Notably, operations performed through isolated posterior or anterior approaches have comparable values of correction loss. Operations with decompression of the dural sac through the posterior approaches are characterized by a significantly shorter time of surgical intervention than operations with decompression through the anterior and combined approaches. The smallest volume of blood loss is observed during surgery with decompression through isolated posterior approaches. The largest volume of blood loss is in the group with posterolateral approach and one-stage circumferential decompression. Surgical interventions through posterior approach have a statistically significant lower complication rate than operations that include the anterior stage.

A prospective study comparing three different all-posterior surgical techniques in the management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis

BackgroundPosterior only surgery has been widely performed in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Surgical options include debridement with posterior instrumentation only or combined with anterior reconstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes using a single-stage posterior only surgery in thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis by three different surgical techniques. MethodsPatients undergoing posterior only surgery for thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis were followed up prospectively and included. Three different procedures, Group-A: Posterior instrumentation with anterior cage reconstruction (n = 49), Group-B: Posterior instrumentation and anterior autologous bone-grafting (n = 21) and Group-C: Posterior column shortening without anterior-reconstruction (n = 52) were compared for kyphosis correction achieved, kyphosis at final follow-up and degree of correction lost. Neurological assessment was done using ASIA impairment Scale(AIS) grades. Functional assessment was done using Visual analogue score (VAS), Modified McNab criteria and NASS satisfaction score. ResultsA total of 122 patients were included in the study, Group-A (49), Group-B (21) and Group-C (52). Radiological correction of kyphotic deformity in anterior reconstruction, Group-A (20.17 ± 9.25⁰) was higher than 13.97⁰ ± 6.06⁰ and 14.27⁰ ± 6.47⁰ achieved in Groups B and C respectively. There was no significant difference in correction lost amongst the three groups (p-value, 0.76). Surgical duration, blood loss and hospital stay were significantly higher in the anterior reconstruction group (p-value, 0.001). Similarly, no significant difference was noted between the three groups in neurological and functional outcomes at 2 years. ConclusionPosterior only approach is eminently satisfactory for treating Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis (STB). All three groups had similar functional and neurological outcomes. However there was a better correction of deformity in patients with anterior cage reconstruction.

Patient-specific numerical investigation of the correction of cervical kyphotic deformity based on a retrospective clinical case

Little research has been reported on evaluating the safety of the fixation construct in cervical kyphosis correction. In this study, we proposed a principal-strain criterion to evaluate the safety of the fixation construct and validated the modeling method against a retrospective case of anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF). From C2 to T2 vertebra bodies, fixation instruments were reconstructed and positioned as per postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Head weight (HW) and various moments estimated from isometric strength data were imposed onto the C2. The postoperative stability of non-surgical segments, deformations surrounding the screw trajectories, and contact slipping on zygapophysial joints were analyzed. The model was validated against the reality that the patient had a good fusion and deformity correction. The ACDF restricted the range of motions (ROMs) of cervical segments and lent stability to vertebra fusion, no failure was found in the finite element (FE) model of cervical vertebrae. The deformation surrounding the screw trajectories were concentrated to the lateral sides of trajectories, recommending that the shape of the anterior cervical plate conforming to the curvature of the vertebra and screws fully inserted into vertebrae reduced the deformation concentration around the screw trajectories.

Kyphosis correction as an option for surgical treatment of meningomyelocele in a newborn: immediate results of two clinical cases and literature review

Objective. To analyze immediate results of meningomyelocele closure with simultaneous kyphectomy in newborns.Material and Methods. In two newborns, correction of kyphosis by vertebrectomy and decancellation of the apical vertebral body was performed simultaneously during surgery for meningomyeloceleResults. In both cases, extensive mobilization of soft tissues to close the skin defect was not required, while a significant correction of kyphoticdeformity was noted. The postoperative wound healed by primary intention on days 9–11. The follow-up period was 11 and 8 months.Only 34 such operations in newborns were reported in the literature. All the authors noted the absence of postoperative wound complications typical for meningomyelocele repair without an orthopedic stage. In small series with a long follow-up period there was a gradual loss of correction after such operations, but without the formation of angular kyphosis requiring repeated kyphectomy.Conclusion. Kyphectomy in newborns with meningomyelocele provided the possibility of effective closure of the skin defect and uncomplicated healing of the postoperative wound.

The Outcome of Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) For the Correction of Post-Traumatic and Post-Tubercular Kyphotic Deformity

Introduction: Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is one of the well-established and well-known techniques for kyphosis correction. Objective: Objective of our study is to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of PSO in terms of VAS to access the pain relief, ODI to assess the functional outcome, and the ASIA impairment scale for preoperative and postoperative assessment of neurology. The per-operative and postoperative complications related to surgery, access radiological correction of deformity in terms of kyphosis angle, and postoperative fusion status. Method: Ten patients with dorso-lumbar kyphosis (5 post-tubercular and 5 post-traumatic) were followed up for an average of 2 years after PSO. They were assessed prospectively for clinico-radiological and functional outcomes. The neurological deficit, cosmetic deformity &amp; back pain were the major complaints among the study population. Result: For the post-tubercular kyphosis group, the mean pre-operative kyphosis angle was 67.5°±10.4° and 14.9°±6.1° postoperatively, with significant improvement (p&lt;0.001) at a mean follow-up of 24 months. The mean ODI improved from 44.1±12.4 pre-operatively to 21.1±7.1 at the latest follow-up. Pre-operative VAS was 8.9±2.5, with a significant improvement of 1.5±1 in the final follow-up. For the post-traumatic kyphosis group, the mean pre-operative kyphosis angle was 33.7°±4.5° and 3.8°±3.4° postoperatively, with a significant improvement (p&lt;0.001). Here the mean ODI improved from 37±2.5 pre-operatively to 6.0±1.9 at the latest follow-up. Pre-operative VAS was 8.4±1 with a significant improvement of 1.25±1 in the last postoperative follow-up. Fusion was achieved in all cases. Transient neurological deficit was found in 1 patient who became normal after 3 months. All patients had ASIA grade “E” at last follow-up. There were no significant intraoperative major complications in this group either, except a few minor complications. Conclusion: A greater degree of kyphotic correction (&gt;40°) can be obtained with a single pedicle subtraction osteotomy at the dorso-lumbar level with minimal neurological complications.

The impact of corrective surgery for thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity on health-related quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. It might affect the facet, sacroiliac joint, and vertebra regions. It leads to thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in the spine region. Both ankylosing spondylitis and kyphotic deformity impair the patients' quality of life. Our objective was to assess the impact of the correction of kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis on health-related quality of life. 11 thoracolumbar kyphosis patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis were operated and their deformity was corrected. Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) studies were performed on patients before surgery and 1 month after surgery to assess their impact on health-related quality of life. In our study, postoperative changes in the sub-parameters of the SF-36 test, which was used to assess the health-related quality of life of patients, were determined to be statistically significant compared to post-surgery. Likewise, postoperative changes in VAS and ODI tests compared to pre-surgery were also statistically significant. Corrective surgery of thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis has a positive impact on both better health-related quality of life and recovery of back and low back pain.