Pedicle subtraction osteotomy through pseudarthrosis to correct thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in advanced ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Surgical treatment is mandatory for spinal pseudarthrosis in advanced ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with painful sagittal deformity and/or neurological deficits. However, the most effective and safe surgical procedure for AS-related symptomatic thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore the outcomes of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) at the level of pseudarthrotic lesion combined with supplemental anterior fusion for patients suffering from kyphotic pseudarthrosis in AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Seven AS patients with thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis and kyphotic deformity were reviewed. There were 6 males and 1 female with a mean age of 41.7 years. All patients had back pain. Imaging findings demonstrated 3-column extensive discovertebral destruction in all patients. The preoperative global kyphosis averaged 75° (range, 37°-114°) with the apex at the level of pseudarthrosis. Three patients had incomplete neurological deficits (Frankel D) preoperatively. All patients underwent PSO at the level of pseudarthrosis in the first stage followed by supplemental anterior fusion in the second stage. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed with an average follow-up of 38 months (range, 24-59 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was compared before surgery and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS:

All patients showed significant pain relief postoperatively and were satisfied with the kyphosis correction as well. Solid bony fusion was shown at the final follow-up. Three patients with neurological deficits had complete recovery of neurological function. The global kyphosis was corrected from 75º to 30º, with a mean correction of 45º. The VAS showed significant improvement. No surgical complication was observed.

CONCLUSION:

PSO can be safely performed through the site of pseudarthrotic lesion in AS patients with pseudarthrosis and kyphotic deformity. After PSO, supplemental anterior fusion is sometimes necessary to support the anterior and middle column in a second stage if there is a bone defect in the osteotomy site.

• Authors: Bang-ping Qian, Yong Qiu, Bin Wang, Xu Sun, Ze-zhang Zhu, Jun Jiang, Ming-liang Ji
• Journal: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society (Eur Spine J) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 711-8 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1432-0932 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 22065166 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Back Pain (epidemiology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Incidence
• Kyphosis (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Osteotomy (methods)
• Pain Measurement
• Pseudarthrosis (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Spinal Fusion (methods)
• Spine (surgery)
• Spondylitis, Ankylosing (complications)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome