Comparison of Posterior Unilateral Vertebral Column Resection Versus Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Thoracolumbar Angular Kyphosis as a Revision Surgical Modality: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of posterior unilateral vertebral column resection (PUVCR) as revision surgery for severe thoracolumbar angular kyphosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients undergoing revision surgery for severe thoracolumbar angular kyphosis in 2010–2016 with ≥2-year follow-up at our institution were assessed. Perioperative complications and clinical outcomes, including blood loss, operation time, Visual Analog Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index, and preoperative and postoperative kyphotic angles, were analyzed. RESULTS: This study included 58 patients who were divided into the PUVCR group and the posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) group. Age (P=0.810), sex distribution (P=0.500), and vertebrae that underwent surgery (P=0.638) were similar in the 2 groups. Shorter mean operation time was observed in the PUVCR group as compared with the PVCR group (P<0.001). In addition, less blood loss was recorded in the PUVCR group as compared with the PVCR group (P=0.001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in a change of Visual Analog Scale scores postoperation versus preoperation (P=0.961), and at postoperative 3 months (P=0.906), 12 months (P=0.752), and 24 months (P=0.811) versus postoperation, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in Oswestry Disability Index changes postoperation versus preoperation (P=0.157), and at postoperative 3 months (P=0.899), 12 months (P=0.947), and 24 months (P=0.811) versus postoperation, respectively. PUVCR and PVCR were comparable in deformity correction (P=0.434) and final angle correction (P=0.790). Complication rates in the PUVCR and PVCR groups were 7.1% and 36.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PUVCR has comparable safety and efficacy to PVCR in treating severe thoracolumbar angular kyphosis, with the advantages of the shorter operation time, less blood loss, and fewer complications.