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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Progressive spastic paraplegia: the combination of Scheuermann's disease, a short-segmented kyphosis and dysplastic
1Department of Spine Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. cornelia.putz@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
Study Design:
Case report.
Objective:
To describe a rare case of paraplegia in a patient with Scheuermann's disease and dysplastic thoracic spinous processes.
Setting:
Spinal Cord Injury Center, Orthopaedic University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Clinical Presentation:
The authors report on a 15-year-old boy with progressive incomplete spastic paraplegia presenting segmental dysplastic thoracic spinous processes and Scheuermann's disease. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a kyphotic angulation at T 5/6 and signs of myelopathy. Hypoplastic thoracic processes and hypoplastic paraspinal muscles in the upper thoracic spine were observed intraoperatively. In this case, dorsoventral stabilization from T 4-7 was performed and the neurological outcome improved at follow-up (6 months).
Conclusion:
Paraplegia can be accelerated in patients with Scheuermann's disease, severe kyphotic angulation and dysplastic posterior elements. After operative treatment, neurological recovery and a normal walking pattern were shown.
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