[Surgical treatment strategies for severe cervicothoracic kyphosis].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the outcomes of surgical treatment for severe cervicothoracic kyphosis.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was performed for a total of 7 patients with severe cervicothoracic kyphosis. There were congenital malformation (n = 5) and cervicothoracic tuberculosis (n = 2). The mean preoperative Cobb angle of kyphosis was 89.3° (range: 72 - 103°). The average JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) score of neurological function was 11.2 ± 1.2 points. Preoperative halo-pelvic traction was performed and maintained for 25 - 40 days according to the patient conditions. Then posterior instrumented fusion was performed.

RESULTS:

The average postoperative JOA score was 15.4 ± 1.6 points. The mean immediate postoperative Cobb angle was 53.4° (range: 45 - 67°). A mean correction rate of 40.2% was achieved. All patients were followed up for a mean of 18 months (range: 10 - 24). And a mean correction loss of 2.5° was observed at the final follow-up. Two patients had transient upper limb pain during distraction. There were no intra-operative or post-operative occurrences of spinal cord injury and other neurological complications.

CONCLUSION:

Halo-pelvic traction plus posterior spondylodesis may be a safe and effective therapy of severe cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity.

• Authors: Jun Ma, Lian-shun Jia, Jiang Shao, Jia Song, Xu-hui Zhou
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 91 Issue 39 Pg. 2779-81 (Oct 25 2011) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 22322060 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cervical Vertebrae (abnormalities)
• Female
• Humans
• Kyphosis (surgery)
• Male
• Retrospective Studies
• Thoracic Vertebrae (abnormalities)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult