Correction and stabilization of angular kyphosis.

Reconstruction of normal geometric relationships, regardless of original pathology, has to be the goal when treating angular kyphosis. Since anterior and posterior spinal structures are involved, successful decompression, correction, and stabilization require both dorsal and ventral surgery. By using segmental transpedicled and ventrolateral Instrumentation System implants, permanent fixation can be achieved. As a result, the length of the compression spondylodesis and fusion time are short. pedicular anchorage and implant design leave the joints and ligamentum flavum of healthy neighboring segments untouched. In the last five years, over 570 kyphotic deformities, including congenital kyphosis, spondylitis, tumors, and acute and neglected fractures, have been treated with this method. During a three- to five-year follow-up period of 40 patients with posttraumatic kyphoses, no additional neurologic damage, pseudarthrosis, or substantial loss of correction occurred.