Pedicle subtraction osteotomies for the correction of post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis

Traumatic compression fractures are usually treated non-surgically. In most patients without osteoporosis, such fractures heal without any sequelae. However, some patients develop a post-traumatic kyphosis that can lead to severe pain and disability, refractory to non-surgical management. In such patients, correction of the kyphosis ultimately may be the only definitive treatment. Pedicle subtraction osteotomies have been used in non-traumatic settings to correct kyphotic deformities or restore lordosis in patients in symptomatic positive sagittal balance. We apply this technique in the setting of post-traumatic kyphosis, and we performed the osteotomies at the level of the compression fracture. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.