• Z Chen, G Dang, Z Guo, L Ji, and Q Qi.
• Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China.
• Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2000 Nov 1;38(11):824-6.

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of solid thoracolumbar kyphosis on the lumbar spine and surgical treatment.Methods14 had solid kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine. Cobb angle of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine and lordosis between L(2)/S(1), L(2)/L(5), L(2)/L(3), L(3)/L(4), L(4)/L(5), L(5)/S(1) pre- and post-osteotomy was measured respectively, and the amount of vertebrae slipped over 3mm was recorded. The results were compared with those of the normal group respectively.ResultsThe Cobb angles of lordosis between L(2)/S(1), L(2)/L(5), L(2)/L(3), L(3)/L(4), L(4)/L(5), L(5)/S(1) in the deformity group were increased significantly compared with those that of the normal group respectively; obvious changes in percentage occurred in the segment between L(2)/L(3) and L(3)/L(4). Over lordosis of the lumbar spine was greatly corrected postosteotomy of the thoracolumbar spine, it was still significantly different compared with that of the normal group. In 9 patients with retrolisthesis of 20 vertebrae, 70% occurred in L(2) and L(3) vertebrae. The amount of retrolisthesis of vertebrae decreased to 3 in two patients. No retrolisthesis of vertebra was seen in the normal group. Single-stage procedures combined with anterior releasing and posterior osteotomy through facet joints for kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine showed a correction. rate of 85.7%, but single-stage osteotomy through the posterior vertebra showed a correction rate of 60.7%. Seven of 8 patients who had had seriously back pain complained of no pain or slight backache after operation. 40% of the patients showed functional improvement in the sphincter of the urinary bladder and anus. 50% of the patients had improvement in muscle strength.ConclusionsKyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine may result in over lordosis of the lumbar spine and retrolisthesis of vertebrae, which are obvious in the upper lumbar spine. These changes may lead to back pain. Correction of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine may obviously decrease over lordosis of the lumbar spine and inclination of vertebral slip, and may further decrease the overload to the posterior column of the spine and relieve back pain. Osteotomy combined with anterior and posterior procedures is effective and safe in the correction of kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

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