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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by double approach in a single procedure: long-term follow-up
Gérard Bollini1, Pierre-Louis Docquier, Elke Viehweger
1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Hôpital Timone Enfants, University of Marseille, Marseille, France. Gerard.bollini@ap-hm.fr
Study Design:
Retrospective review of patients records with clinical and radiographic assessment.
Objective:
To evaluate the long-term result of thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection using a double approach in a single procedure.
Summary Of Background Data:
Thoracolumbar hemivertebrae resection by a combined posterior and anterior approach has been previously described, but this is the largest series of hemivertebrae reported.
Methods:
From 1987 to 2003, a consecutive series of 34 congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis due to thoracolumbar hemivertebrae were managed by hemivertebra resection using a combined posterior and anterior approach and short anterior and posterior convex fusion in the same day/same anesthesia.
Results:
The mean age at surgery was 3.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 6.0 years. There was a mean improvement of 69.3% in the segmental curve from a mean angle of 34.8 degrees before surgery to 10.7 degrees at the latest follow-up assessment. The global scoliosis curve improved of 33.4% from 40.4 degrees to 26.9 degrees, respectively. Trunk shift was significantly improved. The mean final kyphosis was within normal values.
Conclusions:
This procedure is safe and offers a persistent correction with a short segment fusion. Surgery should be performed as early as possible to avert severe local deformities and prevent secondary structural deformities in order to avoid extensive fusions.