Management of posttraumatic kyphosis: surgical technique to facilitate a combined approach

This report describes a variation of the "posterior-anterior-posterior" surgical techniques to correct posttraumatic kyphosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine with the USS internal fixator. This modification is based on the use of "temporary screws" to mark the entrance of the pedicles in the first stage of the operation (posterior approach, with the patient in prone position). Approaching both columns of the spine simultaneously facilitates correction of the kyphotic defect and permits 360 reconstruction of the spine.