One-stage Spine-shortening Osteotomy Treated Severe Spinal Deformity Associated With Spinal Cord Malformations

Retrospective case series.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of spine-shortening using 1-stage 3-column osteotomy for a severe rigid spinal deformity with a spinal cord malformation (SCM).

One-stage spine-shortening osteotomy has been suggested for the treatment of a tethered spinal cord. However, the safety and efficacy of 1-stage spine-shortening osteotomy for the treatment of a severe spinal deformity with an SCM is not known.

The records of 32 patients with a severe spinal deformity and SCM treated with spine-shortening using 3-column osteotomy from January 2010 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was used in all cases. Imaging parameters and neurological complications were analyzed to evaluate clinical safety and efficacy.

Spine-shortening using a 3-column osteotomy was conducted successfully in all 32 patients. The mean main coronal curve and maximum kyphotic angle were corrected from 119.8 and 119.1 degrees to 58.6 and 53.9 degrees, respectively, with the corrective rate of 51.4% and 54.3%. The mean correction loss of the major coronal curve and maximum kyphosis was 2.3 and 2.6 degrees, respectively, at a mean follow-up of 73.6 months. Intraoperative monitoring events occurred in 9 patients; of these 9 patients, 3 suffered transient SC injury, and all recovered within 1 year without suffering permanent paralysis.

Spine-shortening using a 3-column osteotomy seems to be safe and efficacious for treating a severe spinal deformity with an SCM. A deep understanding of the method and intensive intraoperative neuromonitoring improved the safety of this challenging and complex surgical procedure.