Closing wedge osteotomy with transpedicular fixation in ankylosing spondylitis.

The Smith-Petersen anterior opening wedge osteotomy of the lumbar spine is currently the accepted technique for the correction of spinal deformity in ankylosing spondylitis. It has a mortality of 10%, uses force, is uncontrolled, and fixation is often feeble. The authors have devised a posterior closing wedge with transpedicular fixation. This technique is controlled, comparatively safe, and provides secure fixation. The procedure is a relatively safe and reliable means of dealing with a dangerous operation.