Safety and efficacy of posterior vertebral column resection in complex pediatric deformities

Background Vertebral column resection (VCR) is a well-known technique used for correction of complex spinal deformities. VCR could be done through a posterior only approach (Pvcr), or a combined anteroposterior approach, with almost comparable results. Early studies of Pvcr have reported high rates of complications, while subsequent studies have reported a reasonable complication rate. In this study, the authors represent and evaluate the initial results of using the Pvcr technique to correct complex pediatric deformities. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing Pvcr to correct complex pediatric deformities. Methods Retrospective cohort study of data was collected from the database of pediatric deformity patients who were operated for correction of their deformities using posterior instrumentation and Pvcr at a single institution from 2015 to 2019. Results Twenty-one pediatric patients with a mean age 15.2 +/- 3.5 years were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 26.3 +/- 3.1 months. The mean Cobb angle has been decreased significantly from 82.9 +/- 23.9 degrees to 28.8 +/- 14.2 immediately after correction (correction rate 66.9 +/- 10.8%, p < 0.001) with slight increase to 30.2 +/- 14.9 after 24 months of follow-up (correction loss 4.3 +/- 3.1%). The mean kyphotic angle has decreased significantly from 74.1 +/- 15.9 to 25.4 +/- 4.5 immediately after correction (correction rate 65.4 +/- 2.9%, p < 0.001) with slight increase to 26.7 +/- 5.2 after 24 months of follow-up (correction loss 4.8 +/- 3.5%). The mean estimated blood loss was 2816.7 +/- 1441.5 ml. The mean operative time was 339 +/- 84.3 min. Self-image domain (part of SRS-22 questionnaire) has significantly improved from a mean preoperative of 2.3 +/- 0.5 to a mean postoperative of 3.9 +/- 0.4 after 24 months of correction (p < 0.001). As regards complications, chest tubes were inserted in 17 cases (81%), one case (4.8%) had suffered from deep wound infection and temporary respiratory failure, while 3 cases (14.3%) had neurological deficits. Conclusion Posterior vertebral column resection is considered a highly effective release procedure that aids in the correction of almost any type of complex pediatric deformities with a correction rate reaching 66.9 +/- 10.8%. However, Pvcr is a challenging procedure with high estimated blood loss and risk of neurological deficits, so it must be done only by experienced spine surgeons in the presence of good anesthesia and neuromonitoring teams.