Posterior osteotomy in the treatment of spinal kyphosis

Abstract:

Objective：To summarize the experiences of posterior osteotomy for spinal kyphosis. Methods：Five patients with ankylosing spondylitis and an average kyphosis angle of 79.0° underwent double-segment wedge osteotomy in L1 and L3. Five patients with trau－matic or tuberculosis kyphosis and kyphosis angle less than 50.0° underwent single-segment wedge closing osteotomy. Five patients with kyphosis angle more than 50.0° underwent osteotomy with cage inserting anteriorly and closing posteriorly. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results：Fifteen patients had an average of 11 months’ follow-up. All had bone-fusion at six months after the operation. Average kyphosis angle was 62.3° preoperatively and 15.5° postoperatively. Average correction angle and rate of kyphosis were 46.8° and 75.1% respectively. Average height was increased by 4.4 cm. For five patients with nervous injury，one pa－tient with Frankle C recovered to Frankle D；one with Frankle C to Frankle E，and three with Frankle D to Frankle E. Back pain was released obviously. Conclusions：Long round-shaped deformity can be corrected through multi-vertebral osteotomy. Severe kyphosis can be corrected through osteotomy with cage inserting anteriorly and closing posteriorly. Osteotomy correction by posterior approach is an effective method for spinal kyphosis.