Acute Reciprocal Changes Distant from the Site of Spinal Osteotomies Affect Global Postoperative Alignment

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Three-column vertebral resections are frequently applied to correct sagittal malalignment; their effects on distant unfused levels need to be understood.

Methods.

134 consecutive adult PSO patients were included (29 thoracic, 105 lumbar).

Radiographic analysis included pre- and postoperative regional curvatures and pelvic parameters, with paired independent t-tests to evaluate changes.

Results.

A thoracic osteotomy with limited fusion leads to a correction of the kyphosis and to a spontaneous decrease of the unfused lumbar lordosis (−8°).

When the fusion was extended, the lumbar lordosis increased (+8°).

A lumbar osteotomy with limited fusion leads to a correction of the lumbar lordosis and to a spontaneous increase of the unfused thoracic kyphosis (+13°).

When the fusion was extended, the thoracic kyphosis increased by 6°.

Conclusion.

Data from this study suggest that lumbar and thoracic resection leads to reciprocal changes in unfused segments and requires consideration beyond focal corrections.