Short- to midterm radiographic and clinical outcomes of anterior opening osteotomy with lamina sparing in post-traumatic kyphosis: a case series

Purpose: Most spinal osteotomy procedures applied for spinal deformity and concomitant malalignment cases are associated with varied complications. This study evaluates the short- to midterm clinical and radiographic efficacy of the transpedicular anterior opening osteotomy technique. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled six patients who underwent transpedicular anterior opening osteotomy due to symptomatic rigid kyphotic deformity from May 2005 to 2016. During surgery, we created a new fracture line at the collapsed anterior vertebral body through bilateral pedicles, filled spaces with compacted bone grafts while preserving posterior elements, including lamina, and secured structure using posterior instrumentation. The kyphotic Cobb angle, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after surgery were measured and analyzed. Results: The mean preoperative kyphotic Cobb angle was [Formula: see text] while the postoperative value was [Formula: see text]. The mean correction angle was [Formula: see text]. The mean follow-up duration was [Formula: see text] months. During the final follow-up, the mean kyphotic angle was not statistically different from the postoperative values. All patients with documented VAS Back and ODI had improved values postoperatively. Conclusions: Transpedicular anterior opening osteotomy with posterior element preservation improves clinical outcomes and is safe and effective in correcting regional, fixed kyphotic deformities.