An analysis of sagittal curves and balance after Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for kyphosis secondary to Scheuermann's disease. A review of 32 patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This study compared preoperative and postoperative saggittal curves and spinal balance in patients undergoing spinal fusion with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for severe kyphosis secondary to Scheuermann's disease. Also determined was patient satisfaction regarding relief of pain and correction of the deformity. Thirty two patients with kyphosis > 75 degrees underwent spinal fusion with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the initial and long-term correction of the primary kyphosis and changes in lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance, and to determine the incidence and etiology of junctional sagittal deformities.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The average preoperative kyphosis was 85 degrees (range, 75 degrees to 105 degrees) with an average correction at final follow-up of 43 degrees (range, 26 degrees to 65 degrees). Preoperative lumbar lordosis averaged 75 degrees (range, 58 degrees to 100 degrees) and at final follow-up averaged 55 degrees (range, 23 degrees to 74 degrees). Most of the patients demonstrated negative sagittal balance and became slightly more negatively balanced postoperatively.

RESULTS

Maintenance of correction postoperatively was excellent, with only a 4 degree average loss of correction. There was spontaneous reduction in lumbar lordosis of varying degrees. Proximal junctional kyphosis was associated with over-correction (> 50%) of the kyphotic deformity or a fusion starting short of the proximal vertebra in the measured kyphosis. Distal junctional kyphosis developed in patients whose fusion ended short of the first lordotic segment.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure appeared to yield good results when proper levels of fusion were selected and correction > 50% was not attempted.