Vertebral resection and fusion for paralytic kyphosis: 9 patients followed up for 6 (2–14) years

Abstract

Nine patients with a thoracolumbar, progressing, paralytic kyphosis, pressure sores from gibbus, an inability to lie on the back, and deterioration of the sitting balance were operated on with resection of two to three vertebrae and a thoracolumbar fusion. One child died from intracranial bleeding caused by a halo screw. There were no implant loosenings or non-unions. Pressure sores healed, sitting improved, and lying on the back became possible. A mild scoliosis above the fusion level developed in 2 patients, but neither of them needed any treatment.