Gibbus deformity after non-tuberculosis osteomyelitis

Gibbus deformities are characterized by anterior collapse of one or more vertebral bodies resulting in kyphosis. These deformities usually arise from spinal infections, and are traditionally associated with tuberculosis; other pathogens are rarely reported in the literature. In this case report, the authors describe a patient with a sharp, angulated Gibbus deformity presenting with back pain and myelopathy. The patient was placed on antibiotics, underwent T11-T12 corpectomy, placement of an expandable cage, and T8-L3 fusion with improvement of symptoms. Microbiology returned positive for non-tuberculosis osteomyelitis, and the postoperative course was uneventful. This report further reviews the presentation, pathology, development, and neurosurgical treatment of Gibbus deformities. Although they have become rare as rates of tuberculosis have declined, Gibbus deformities remain an important surgical entity that should be recognized by the spine surgeon.