MULTIPLE SEGMENTAL OSTEOTOMIES TO THE KYPHOSIS CORRECTION

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Deformity Correction
• Skeletal Radiology

Background:

• Severe spinal kyphosis, particularly Scheuermann's disease or post-laminectomy, often requires surgical intervention.
• The Ponte technique, involving multiple posterior osteotomies, is a surgical option for correcting significant kyphotic deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the Ponte technique for surgical correction of spinal kyphosis.
• To assess radiographic parameters and complications associated with this surgical method.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of ten patients (mean age 16.8 years) with kyphosis >70° treated with Ponte technique.
• Radiographic evaluation of kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis preoperatively, early postoperatively, and at late follow-up (24-144 months).
• Assessment for junctional kyphosis, loss of correction, and implant-related complications.

Main Results:

• Mean kyphosis reduced from 78.8° to 47.5° post-surgery, achieving a mean correction of 33.9°.
• Minimal loss of correction was observed (2.2°).
• Follow-up ranged from 24 to 144 months, with no mention of specific complications like implant loosening or breakage in the provided results.

Conclusions:

• The Ponte technique provides good correction for severe thoracic kyphosis.
• This surgical approach demonstrates sustained correction with minimal loss over extended follow-up periods.