Construct-to-construct biplanar cantilever technique for spinal deformity correction: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: There is a continued trend toward posterior-only approaches for achieving spinal deformity correction of idiopathic scoliosis. We present a posteriorly based correction technique and en bloc translation reduction maneuver that can be useful in the management of kyphoscoliosis. OBSERVATIONS: A 50-year-old female with a past medical history of untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis since she was 12 years old presented to the clinic for evaluation of progressive thoracolumbar spinal deformity and worsening mid-to-low back pain. Standing scoliosis radiographs shows an 85° left lumbar curve with an apex at the L1–2 disk. There was a compensatory 58° right thoracic curve with an apex at T9, a −1.4 cm central vertical axis, and a focal kyphotic deformity of 86° from T11–L3 with a corresponding apex at the L1–2 disk. She was diagnosed with adult idiopathic scoliosis and indicated for a T9–L4 posterior spinal fusion with T11–L4 Smith-Peterson osteotomies. A simple en bloc reduction maneuver was used to translate the apex of the coronal deformity toward the midline and simultaneously correct the patient’s focal kyphosis. LESSONS: A construct-to-construct biplanar cantilever technique is ideal for the treatment of kyphoscoliosis and can provide effective deformity correction in both the sagittal and coronal planes.