Transpedicular wedge resection osteotomy for the treatment of a kyphotic Andersson lesion-complicating ankylosing spondylitis

Eur Spine J. 2006 Feb;15(2):246-52. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-1008-1. Epub 2005 Sep 7.

Abstract

Two cases with a long-standing thoracolumbar kyphosis due to ankylosing spondylitis are presented with a symptomatic localized destructive kyphotic lesion of the spine. Clinical and radiographic findings demonstrated a progressive vertebral and discovertebral kyphotic pseudarthrosis, known as an Andersson lesion, at the L1 and L1-2 level, respectively. Surgical correction and stabilization was performed by an extending transpedicular wedge resection osteotomy to restore spinal stability, to facilitate fracture healing as well as to restore the sagittal balance of the ankylosed spine. To predict the effect of a surgical correction of the Andersson lesion on the sagittal balance, deformity planning was performed preoperatively. The indication for surgery, the surgical technique and the 2 years' clinical results are described. In addition, the difficulties experienced with preoperative deformity planning are evaluated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Kyphosis / etiology
  • Kyphosis / surgery*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / complications
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / surgery*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery