Osteotomy for kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Twenty-two patients suffering from progressive kyphosis due to ankylosing spondylitis underwent one or more lumbar osteotomies during 1957–1983. The primary thoracic kyphosis was 80° (45°–155°). The mean correction obtained by one level osteotomy was 44° (30°–60°). The mean loss of correction after 3 years was 5°. The use of internal fixation reduced the loss of correction from 9° to 1°, also allowing ambulatory after-care and a shorter period of immobilization in plaster or jackets. We had no fatal and relatively few non-fatal complications; three cases of retrograde ejaculation were observed however. All the patients reported subjective respiratory improvement.