Reinstrumentation for progressive hyper-kyphotic deformity after implant removal despite obtaining physiological alignment by posterior corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with flat back: a case report

Abstract

Abstract This case report describes a 13-year-old female patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and flat back who experienced progressive kyphotic deformity after implant removal despite obtaining physiological alignment postoperatively. The patient underwent multiple surgeries, and a late-developing infection complicated her treatment course. Despite hard bracing to prevent kyphotic change, the kyphosis progressed to 74° within a year after implant removal, leading to a decrease in patient height and back pain. Revision surgery was eventually necessary. Possible factors for the kyphotic progression include injury to paraspinal back muscles due to multiple surgeries or insufficient bony fusion from late-developing infection. This case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and follow-up for optimal patient outcomes after implant removal in AIS patients, particularly those with flat back.