Modified mini-open SRS-Schwab grade 4 osteotomy combined with percutaneous pedicle screws fixation in post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis

Abstract

Abstract Background We aimed to analyze the clinical results of Schwab grade 4 osteotomy combined with percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS) fixation for treatment of post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (PTK). Methods Thirty four patients with PTK (group A) were included in our study. The average age was 54.9 ± 3.3 years. All patients had severe back pain with 8.6 ± 1.3 VAS scores. The affected level was T12 in 16 patients and L1 in 18 patients. The average preoperative regional kyphosis angle (RKA) was 30.7 ± 6.00. Three patients had neurological dysfunction with ASIA grade D. All patients underwent Schwab grade 4 osteotomy combined with PPS fixation. The control group (Group B) were 26 PTK patients treated with Schwab grade 4 osteotomy and open pedicle screws fixation in our institution. Results Operation time in groups A and B was 280 ± 50 min and 210 ± 30 min, respectively (P 0.05). CT showed that the misplacement rate in groups A and B was 5.5 and 6.6% (P > 0.05). The average follow-up in groups A and B was 25.2 ± 7.6 months and 30.6 ± 2.7 months. No fracture and other complications were observed in both groups. Solid bone fusion was showed in all cases at 6 months follow-up. In groups A and B, all patients with preoperative neurological dysfunction recovered to ASIA grade E at the last follow-up. The VAS score of back pain improved significantly from 8.6 ± 1.3 to 1.6 ± 1.0 at the last follow-up in group A (P < 0.05), while it improved significantly from 8.3 ± 1.2 to 3.0 ± 1.1 at the last follow-up in group B (P < 0.05). VAS of back pain was better in group A than that in group B. Conclusion Schwab grade 4 osteotomy combined with percutaneous pedicle screws fixation is a minimally invasive, safe and effective method for PTK treatment.

Keywords

• Post-traumatic
• Thoracolumbar kyphosis
• Percutaneous pedicle screws
• Schwab grade 4 osteotomy