Experience in Managing Posttraumatic Lumbar Kyphosis Patients with Multi-level Ponte Osteotomies and Posterior Spinal Fusion

Abstract

Posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK) is a spinal deformity resulting from severe trauma, posing significant challenges for surgical correction. PTK can lead to chronic pain and disability, necessitating careful evaluation and individualized treatment strategies. We present the case of a 50-year-old male with a decade-long history of PTK following a traumatic fall from a truck. Despite initial mobility, his condition worsened, affecting his posture and causing pain. Radiographic assessments revealed marked lumbar lordosis (LL) loss, positive sagittal vertebral axis, and pelvic parameters mismatch. Surgical planning involved multilevel Ponte osteotomy from L1 to L4 and posterior spinal fusion from Th10 to S1 to restore sagittal balance. Treating PTK is complex and technically demanding, with no universal approach due to the diversity of cases. Detailed diagnostics, including spinal alignment analysis and neurologic assessments, guide surgical decisions. Our patient’s successful treatment employed grade 1/2 Ponte osteotomies for lumbar correction, achieving improved sagittal balance and LL. However, an increase in pelvic incidence (PI) and persistent PI-LL mismatch was noted postsurgery, suggesting potential effects on the sacroiliac joint. Severe trauma can lead to PTK, necessitating meticulous evaluation and individualized surgical strategies. The primary goal is to alleviate neurological deficits and restore sagittal balance, with surgical choices tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances. Surgical correction may influence pelvic parameters, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive postoperative assessment and follow-up care.