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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
NOVEL PATIENT POSITIONING APPARATUS FOR RETINAL SURGERY IN A CASE OF SEVERE KYPHOSIS
Douglas S M Iaboni1, Mark E Seamone2, Mary S Stairs2
1Dalhousie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Purpose:
To describe a novel patient positioning apparatus for intraocular surgery capable of accommodating patients with thoracic kyphosis.
Methods:
Case report.
Results:
A 60-year-old man presented with a macula-off retinal detachment and severe ankylosing spondylitis. The patient was scheduled for combined pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckle. Because of the patient's severe kyphosis, a custom-designed positioning apparatus was built. The setup involved a canvas with 10 sewn-on straps and a Skytron operating table with strap inserts. Padding and blankets were also used to secure the patient comfortably in the Trendelenburg position. Surgery was uncomplicated and retinal detachment repair was successfully performed.
Conclusion:
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report detailing a vest-like support apparatus for patients with thoracic kyphosis used in vitreoretinal surgery. This apparatus can be prepared using any conventional operating table, and it offers an effective approach to intraocular surgery for patients who cannot lie flat.
