Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Fusionless posterior hemivertebra resection in a 2-year-old child with 16 years follow-up
D Jeszenszky1, T F Fekete, F S Kleinstueck
1Spine Unit, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland.
Purpose:
We present the case of a 2-year-old patient with congenital scoliosis due to a lumbar hemivertebra. The current gold standard treatment of such an abnormality would be hemivertebra resection and short level posterior spinal fusion. However, due to the young age of the patient, we considered that application of a fusionless solution might offer advantages in terms of retaining normal segmental motion and the potential for growth.
Methods:
The incarcerated hemivertebra was resected and the facet joints of the neighbouring vertebrae were joined to create a new functional motion segment and correct the kyphoscoliotic deformity. Transpedicular screws were inserted on the convex side in L2 and L3 and a tension band was applied.
Results:
16 years after the surgery, the patient was completely pain-free, motion of the lumbar spine was preserved and the physiological curvatures were maintained.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge a fusionless surgical solution for the treatment of a hemivertebra has never been described before. Although this is only a single case, the good result with a long follow-up suggests the technique is worthwhile considering when planning the treatment of a lumbar hemivertebra in very young children.
