Analysis of complications following posterior vertebral column resection for the treatment of severe angular kyphosis greater than 100°

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications, efficacy and safety of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in severe angular kyphosis (SAK) greater than 100°. METHODS: The medical records of 17 patients (mean age 17.9 (range, 9–27) years) with SAK who underwent PVCR, were reviewed. Mean follow-up period was 32.2 (range, 24–64) months. Diagnosis of the patients included congenital kyphosis in 11 patients, post-tuberculosis kyphosis in 3 patients and neurofibromatosis in 3 patients. The sagittal plane parameters (local kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope and pelvic incidence) were measured in the preoperative and the early postoperative periods and during the last follow-up on the lateral radiographs. RESULTS: The mean preoperative localized kyphosis angle was 121.8° (range, 101°–149°). The mean local kyphosis angle (LKA) was 71.5° at postoperatively evaluation (p < 0.05). Complications were detected in 12 patients (70.6%) with spinal shock in 4 patients, hemothorax in 3 patients, postoperative infection in 2 patients, dural laceration in 2 patients, neurological deficit in 2 patients (1 paraplegia and 1 root injury), the shifted cage in 2 patients and rod fracture in 2 patients. Neurological events occurred in six patients (35%) with temporary neurological deficit in 5 patients and permanent neurological deficit in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: PVCR is an efficient and a successful technique for the correction of SAK. However, it can lead to a large number of major complications in SAK greater than 100°. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.