Staged two level non-contiguous vertebral column resection: technique and case report

Spinal deformity is a complex issue that can lead to global spine imbalance with subsequent neurologic deficits, clinical deformity, and chronic back pain. The vertebral column resection (VCR) osteotomy technique is used in select cases of rigid severe spinal deformities to achieve significant curve correction. We present a previously undiagnosed ankylosing spondylitis patient with a previously fused spine in marked coronal and sagittal malalignment that required a staged two level non-contiguous VCR for treatment of his fixed thoracic and cervicothoracic kyphoscoliosis. In this patient with ankylosing spondylitis, a postoperative rigid thoracic kyphoscoliosis, and marked truncal imbalance and skull to pelvis imbalance a 2 level non-contiguous VCR performed in a staged fashion at the apex of the thoracic curve and subsequently at the apex of the cervicothoracic curve were utilized to restore sagittal and coronal imbalance and improved skull position and optimal visual gaze. The need for performing two non-contiguous VCR is quite rare and necessary only in a small subset of deformity patients with rigid curves causing malignment in different areas of the spine. The non-contiguous VCR surgery is challenging but also capable of correcting even the most rigid and severe spine deformity with appropriate planning and optimal surgical technique.