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Updated: Dec 29, 2025
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Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
2.7K
Revision surgery in proximal junctional kyphosis
Meghan Cerpa1, Zeeshan Sardar2, Lawrence Lenke2
1The Och Spine Hospital at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, 5141 Broadway, New York, NY, 10034, USA. mc4338@cumc.columbia.edu.
Summary
Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a common spinal surgery complication. Further research is needed to understand and prevent this issue, with patient optimization being key.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a frequent complication after spinal deformity surgery, potentially necessitating reoperation.
- Reported incidence varies (up to 39%), with revision surgery rates as high as 47% for PJK.
- PJK presents a persistent challenge, leading to adverse outcomes in adult spine deformity procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following adult spine deformity surgery.
- To highlight the challenges in defining and understanding PJK incidence and contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Medline and PubMed.
- Keywords included "proximal junctional kyphosis," "postoperative complications," "spine deformity surgery," "instrumentation failure," and "proximal junctional failure."
Main Results:
- PJK is characterized by a variable but defined radiographic increase in the proximal junction sagittal Cobb angle postoperatively.
- Inconsistent study methodologies, patient populations, and outcome assessments limit the generalizability of findings on PJK risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing patient factors is crucial for preventing PJK and other postoperative complications.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the multifactorial nature of PJK and develop effective prevention strategies.
