Spinal Osteotomies for Cervicothoracic Sagittal Imbalance Correction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study DesignSystematic Review.ObjectivesCervicothoracic junction (CTJ) deformities, particularly kyphosis, significantly impact patients' quality of life, causing pain, dysphagia, and inability to maintain horizontal gaze. Various surgical osteotomy techniques are available to correct CTJ kyphosis, but their relative effectiveness and associated complications remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide an evidence-based comparison of different surgical techniques for correcting cervicothoracic sagittal imbalance.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted up to August 2024. Studies included in the analysis involved adult patients undergoing cervical or upper thoracic osteotomy for sagittal imbalance correction. Data on radiographic outcomes, complication rates, and surgical factors were extracted and analyzed using random-effects models. Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed using Begg's test and I² statistics, respectively.ResultsTwenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 995 patients. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) provided the greatest correction for cervical sagittal vertical alignment (cSVA) and cervical lordosis (CL) compared to anterior cervical osteotomy (ACO) and Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO). Upper thoracic osteotomies showed superior correction of T1 slope (TS) and chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA). ACO had the lowest complication rate, while SPO showed the highest neurological complication rate, particularly at the C7-T1 level.ConclusionCervicothoracic osteotomy techniques, while effective, present significant risks. PSO provides the most powerful correction but is associated with greater surgical risks, while ACO offers lower complication rates. These findings highlight the need for careful surgical planning based on patient-specific deformities and risk factors.