Background: Correction of a focal kyphotic deformity at times requires performing a pedicle subtraction osteotomy, which is accompanied by loss of pedicles as anchor points at the affected level in addition to significant blood loss. To help alleviate these two issues, a novel osteotomy technique for correction of kyphosis using a transforaminal approach to the thoracic vertebral body is described.
Methods: We describe a bilateral pedicle-sparing approach and demonstrate it in a patient with proximal junctional kyphosis.
Results: The proposed osteotomy resulted in a 28-degree Cobb angle improvement in the sagittal plane.
Conclusion: The operation resulted in a similar degree of correction as a pedicle subtraction osteotomy, with the added benefit of maintaining the pedicles closest to the kyphotic deformity.
Keywords: Proximal junctional kyphosis; sagittal balance; scoliosis; spine osteotomy; spine surgery; thoracic spine deformity.