Four-rod Technique Stabilization after Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Hyperkyphosis Secondary to Pott Disease: A Two-Year Follow-Up Case Report

Abstract

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for the management of sagittal misalignment. However, this procedure has a high rate of implant failure, particularly rod breakages. The four-rod technique diminishes this complication in the lumbar spine. The aim of the present study is to provide a case report regarding PSO and four-rod technique stabilization in the treatment of short-angle hyperkyphosis in the thoracolumbar (TL) junction. The authors describe the case of a patient with TL hyperkyphosis secondary to spinal tuberculosis treated with L1 PSO and fixation with a four-rod technique. There were no major surgical complications. The self-reported quality of life questionnaires (the Short-Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36] and the Oswestry disability index) and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively, as well as 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, and they showed considerable and sustained improvements in pain control and quality of life. No hardware failure was observed at the two-year follow-up.

Resumo

A osteotomia de subtração pedicular (OSP) é uma ferramenta importante no manejo de doenças com desalinhamento sagital. Entretanto, este procedimento apresenta altas taxas de falência do instrumental, em especial a quebra de hastes. A técnica de fixação com quatro hastes reduz essa complicação na região lombar. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de hipercifose na transição toracolombar (TL) tratado com OSP e estabilização com a técnica das quatro hastes. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma paciente com hipercifose TL secundária a tuberculose espinhal, tradada com PSO e fixação com a técnica das quatro hastes. Não houve complicações cirúrgicas maiores. Os questionários autorrelatados de qualidade de vida (Short-Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36] e índice de incapacidade de Oswestry) e os parâmetros radiográficos foram avaliados no pré-operatório e 6, 12 e 24 meses após a cirurgia, e demonstram considerável e estável melhora na qualidade de vida e no controle da dor da paciente. Não houve falência da instrumentação após 2 anos de seguimento.

Keywords

pedicle subtraction osteotomy - kyphosis - spinal tuberculosis - four-rod technique - postoperative complications - thoracolumbar spine

Palavras-chave

osteotomia de subtração pedicular - cifose - tuberculose da coluna vertebral - técnica das quatro hastes - complicações pós-operatórias - coluna toracolombar

Introduction

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for the management of sagittal misalignment, and it can restore angular sagittal alignment up to 30° to 40°.[1] However, rod breakage after PSO is common, occurring in 15.8 to 25% of patients who undergo this procedure.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Most of these instrumental failures (89%) occur at the index level vertebra or in adjacent vertebras. Furthermore, 71% of rod breakages happen in the first 12 months after the corrective surgery.[5] Gupta et al (2017)³ reported the use of a 4-rod technique in lumbar PSO for the treatment of adult spinal deformities that had considerably reduced the rate of rod breakage.

The aim of the present study is to present the case of a patient with late thoracolumbar (TL) junction hyperkyphosis secondary to spinal tuberculosis that was successfully managed with PSO followed by four-rod technique stabilization.

Case Report

A 64-year-old woman was referred with severe mechanical low back pain that progressively increased mainly over the previous 6 months, and that was associated to pain in the buttocks and posterior thighs, without radicular trajectory. She was unable to stand or walk for more than 20 minutes. Ten years before she had been treated for spinal tuberculosis (also known as Pott disease) in the TL junction according to the Brazilian guidelines, with successful remission.[8]

Neurological Examination

The patient presented a forward trunk shift while standing or walking, and a TL junction kyphosis on inspection. On palpation, there was severe and painful paravertebral muscle contracture in the thoracic and lumbar regions. She reported severe back pain during assisted lumbar extension or rotation that was more intense in the lumbar region rather than in the apex of the deformity. The neurological examination was normal, except for bilateral hypoactive Achilles tendon reflexes. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was of 32%, a finding compatible with moderate disability. The Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) physical and mental scores were 0 and 40 respectively.

Diagnostic Imaging

The computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine revealed TL kyphosis, with a wedge-shaped L1 vertebral body and sclerotic bone from T10 to L3 ([Fig. 1b]). Narrowing of the spinal canal was observed at L1 and L2 by CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which also showed conus medullaris and cauda equina encroachment ([Fig. 1b-e]). Scoliosis radiographs displayed a short-angle kyphosis with apex at L1 (T12L2 Cobb angle = 34°), thoracic hypokyphosis (T4T12 Cobb angle = 22°) and lumbar hyperlordosis (L1S1 Cobb angle = 69°). The spinopelvic parameter values were: pelvic incidence, 48°; pelvic tilt (PT), 13°; sacral slope, 35°; and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), +1 cm ([Table 1]; [Fig. 2a] and [c]). Surgical treatment was indicated due to refractory mechanical back pain secondary to TL hyperkyphosis and associated with lumbar hyperlordosis. Informed consent for the procedure was obtained from the patient.

Fig. 1 A 64-year-old female was diagnosed with Pott disease and treated conservatively. The lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam – T2 sequence – shows a hypointense signal at L1 and L2 (a). Ten years later, the computed tomography (CT) and the MRI (b, c, d and e) show thoracolumbar (TL) junction kyphosis, bone sclerosis from T10 to L3, and spinal canal narrowing.

Fig. 2 Preoperative standing radiographs (a and c) show short angular kyphosis with apex at L1 (Cobb angle: 34°) and normal sagittal vertical axis (SVA). After pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) at L1 using 4-rod fixation, the thoracolumbar (TL) transition angle was restored (Cobb angle: 11° at the 2-year follow-up), and the compensatory thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hyperlordosis were solved.

Table 1 Preoperative, Postoperative and Follow-Up Values of the Sagittal Balance Parameters

Sagittal balance parameter	Preop	6 months po	12 months po	24 months po
T4-T12 thoracic kyphosis (o)	+22°	+41°	+43°	+40°
T12-L2 angle (o)	+34°	+3°	+6°	11°
L2-S1 lumbar lordosis (o)	−69°	−57°	−55°	−58°
Sagittal vertical axis (cm)	+1	+1	+1	+1
Pelvic tilt (o)	13°	−	10°	8°

Abbreviations: po, postoperative; preop, preoperative.

Surgical Technique

The patient underwent an L1 PSO and spinal stabilization with the four-rod technique.

Positioning. After induction of general anesthesia, the patient was placed in prone position. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) was not used.

Exposure. Through a midline incision, the paraspinal muscles were dissected subperiosteally from the spinous processes to the tip of the transverse processes from T9 to L4.

Instrumentation. The pedicle screws were inserted four levels above and three levels below the wedge vertebra (L1) under the guidance of fluoroscopy. In T9, T10, T11, L3 and L4, the entry points were in the superior facets. In T12 and L2, the entry points were in the mammillary processes, and their trajectories were of 22° to 30° medial to the sagittal plane, rather than the usual 0° to 10° at these levels. Thus, the screw heads of the levels adjacent to L1 were more lateral and slightly deeper than the cranial and caudal ones ([Fig. 3d]).

Fig. 3 Pedicle screws were inserted 4 levels above and 3 levels below the wedge vertebra (L1). In T12 and L2, the entry points were lateral at the junction of the superior facet and transverse processes (a). Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was performed at the apex (L1) of the kyphosis and closed with bilaterally alternating compression maneuvers over the screw heads of T12 and L2, fixed with short rods. Final stabilization was obtained with long rods (c, d and e).

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy. The osteotomy was performed at L1 as previously described.[9] [10] The posterior elements of L1, including the pedicles and transverse processes, were removed, as well as the spinous process and the caudal half of the T12 lamina. The nerve roots of T12 and L1 were exposed bilaterally. Finally, a partial wedge resection of the posterior vertebral body of L1 was performed mainly with osteotomes, and completed with rongeurs and a drill. In this step, the fluoroscopy was paramount to delineate the directions of the osteotomes, as well as the angle of the bone fragment to be removed ([Fig. 3a] and [b]; [Fig. 4a]). Incidental durotomy occurred, but it was promptly sutured. The disks above and below remained intact. Before the closing procedure, a temporary rod was used to avoid translation in one side when the other side of the osteotomy was done.[11]

Fig. 4 Schematic illustrations of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and four-rod technique stabilization to treat thoracolumbar hyperkyphosis. First, the pedicle screws are placed, then the posterior arches of T12 and L1, as well as the L1 pedicles, are removed; finally, the PSO is performed (a). Compression maneuver over the T12 and L2 screws heads to close the bone defect and correct the hyperkyphosis, followed by short rods locking, and then long-rod fixations (b and c). Posterior 3D image showing the final aspect of the instrumentation (d).

Kyphosis correction. Closure of the osteotomy was performed by bilateral alternating compression maneuvers over the screw heads of T12 and L2, fixed with short rods ([Fig. 3c]; [Fig. 4b] and [c]). During the PSO, hemostasis with bone wax was avoided on the bone defect surfaces to prevent pseudarthrosis. Subtle compression of the left L1 nerve root was noticed soon after the osteotomy closure, and decompression was readily performed.

Stabilization, grafting and closure. Final stabilization was obtained with long titanium rods (6.0 mm) and caps inserted and tightened from T9 to L4, with satisfactory correction of the TL junction kyphosis. After decortication, local bone grafts were placed posterolaterally. To stiffen the construct, cross-links were used to connect the long rods to one another and to connect the short rods to the long ones ipsilaterally. Intraoperative fluoroscopy showed adequate placement of implants and correction of TL kyphosis ([Fig. 3c], [d] and [e]; [Fig. 4c] and [d]). Intrawound vancomycin powder (2 g) was used.[12] [13] [14] The wound was closed in layers, and a closed suction drain was left in place for 48 hours. The operating time was 515 minutes, and the patient received a packed red blood cell transfusion (950 mL).

Follow-up

The length of stay of the patient in the hospital was of 5 days. The patient presented bilateral meralgia paresthetica despite the protection of the iliac crests with cotton paddles. A TL vest was not recommended. Sixteen days postoperatively, she complained of moderate back pain and severe meralgia paresthetica, without motor function compromise. An examination revealed a superficial wound infection with no fluid leakage, which was solved with oral antibiotics for 3 weeks. The pain was treated with pregabalin (150 mg per day) for 6 months, and codeine (30 mg every 4 hours as needed).

Radiological Outcomes

Standing scoliosis radiograph images 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure showed normal sagittal alignment parameters, without compensatory mechanisms and no signs of pseudarthrosis or implant failure ([Table 1] and [Fig. 2]). Considerable improvements were observed in the thoracic kyphosis (+22° versus +40°) and lumbar lordosis (−69° versus −58°) when the images obtained 24 months after the surgery were compared with the preoperative images ([Table 1], [Fig. 2]).

Clinical Outcomes

Six months postoperatively, the patient reported considerable improvement in both back pain and meralgia paresthetica, with sporadic use of analgesic drugs. Self-reported outcome questionnaires showed significant improvement at 6 months, which was maintained 12 and 24 months postoperatively. At the final follow-up, she reported considerable spine pain relief and increase in quality of life, despite feeling unilateral hip joint pain, which was managed conservatively ([Table 2]).

Table 2 Clinical Assessment by Self-Reported Outcome Questionnaires: Preoperative, 6 Months and 12 Months Postoperatively

Parameter	Evaluation period
	Preop	6 months po	12 months po	24 months po
SF-36 (physical)	0	100	100	75
SF-36 (mental)	40	84	84	84
ODI	32%	0%	18%	6%

Abbreviations: ODI, Oswestry disability index; po, postoperative; preop, preoperative; SF-36, Short-Form Health Survey 36.

Discussion

Thoracolumbar hyperkyphosis may cause sagittal misalignment, which is characterized by a forward dislocation of the body's gravitational center that elicits compensatory mechanisms, mainly thoracic hypokyphosis and lumbar hyperlordosis due to paravertebral muscle contractures, resulting in increased energy expenditure and chronic back pain.[15] [16] [17] [18] [19] Secondary trunk extension also overloads the facet joints, resulting in a painful condition as well.[17] [19] [20] Thus, restoration of the sagittal alignment counteracts this process and relieves discomfort.[21]

The reported case showed hyperkyphosis at the TL junction, the most common site affected by spinal tuberculosis.[22] [23] [24] According to the global alignment concept, the patient had hidden sagittal imbalance, as shown by the thoracic hypokyphosis (+22°), and lumbar hyperlordosis (−69°), which was associated with a preoperatively balanced pelvis (sagittal vertical axis (SVA): 1 cm; PT: 13°).[25]

Surgery is best indicated when there is significant pain associated with a kyphotic segmental deformity exceeding 20°.[26] Surgical treatment is also recommended if there is progressive neurological deficit secondary to canal encroachment and/or spinal cord tethering at the apex of the kyphosis, usually in the thoracic spine.

Different types of osteotomy might be necessary to treat hyperkyphosis.[1] [9] The decision about which osteotomy to use depends on the anatomy of the lesion, the amount of angular correction needed to restore global spine alignment, and the type of curve (long or short). Ponte osteotomies (Schwab 2) at multiple levels allow corrections of 5° to 10° per level, and are recommended mainly for long kyphotic curves. A PSO, with or without superior diskectomy (Schwab 4 and 3 respectively), enables corrections of 30° to 45°, and is indicated to address short-angle hyperkyphosis.[1] [9] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] However, in cases of severe kyphosis, mainly higher than 60°, vertebral column resection might be needed.[32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] Thus, through a single posterior approach, a three-column osteotomy (PSO or vertebral column resection [VCR]) may enable the correction of sagittal misalignment in pathologies such as posttraumatic kyphosis, postinfection kyphosis, congenital deformities, adult spinal deformities, ankylosing spondylitis, and iatrogenic flat back.[17]

Gupta et al (2017)³ have described a new 4-rod technique in which all rods are connected to pedicle screws in cases of lumbar PSO (L2, L3 and L4) for the treatment of adult spinal deformities. The two short rods are used to stabilize the superior and inferior vertebras that are adjacent to the osteotomy level. The two other rods connect the remaining levels involved in the instrumentation (holding rods). None of the 29 patients treated with the Gupta technique experienced rod breakage during a 5-year follow-up. In comparison, the 4-rod technique decreased the rate of implant failure after PSO from 25% to 0 during a 5-year follow-up (p = 0.008; Gupta et al, 2017).[3]

In the TL junction, PSO has been successfully used to correct posttraumatic kyphosis as well as Pott-disease deformities. Significant improvement in clinical outcomes has been achieved after PSO for the treatment of TL hyperkyphosis secondary to tuberculosis, a result that has been related to hyperkyphosis correction and restoration of normal sagittal alignment.[29] [33] In the present case we used the 4-rod pedicle-based technique to stabilize a short-angle TL kyphosis after L1 PSO.

Pseudarthrosis and implant failures (mainly rod breakage) are frequent complications after a PSO, since the correction of deformity places the implants under huge mechanical stress.[3] [11] [29] [31] [34] [38] [39] [40] There are other strategies to improve the construct biomechanical stability and bone fusion to prevent rod breakage.

A large gap remains between the upper and lower transverse vertebral processes after PSO. Thus, autologous bone grafting should completely fill the posterolateral sites bilaterally. Furthermore, interbody implants with autografts in the cranial and caudal intervertebral disc spaces can be added to improve arthrodesis.[41] However, they do not seem to reduce motion or strain; instead they act mainly to maintain disk height.[42] [43] They should preferably be placed prior to the osteotomy, before possible major bleedings. Although the use of cross-links might stiffen the construct, it can diminish the surface for bone fusion. One should set the bone graft before placing the cross-links to diminish this effect.

Placing additional accessory rods, connected to the holding rods with domino/cross-links, has proved to enhance the stability and stiffness of the construct in cases of 3-column osteotomy in both biomechanical and clinical studies (17% versus 3% when compared with standard 2-rod constructs).[11] [44]

A biomechanical study[45] has shown that regarding the range of motion, two or four rods, made either of titatinum (Ti) or cobalt chrome (CoCr), have significantly and similarly (94.9% versus 99.4%) reduced flexion-extension and lateral bending when compared with the intact cadaveric lumbar spine model. However, total rod strain, which represents the stress delivered to the rods during the biomechanical cycles, both in flexion and extension, significantly decreased with accessory rods when compared with the Ti 2-rod (46% versus 65% for the Ti 4-rod and CoCr 4-rod respectively). Even though the CoCr rod significantly reduces rod strain, the use of accessory rods with either material provided the most immediate fixation. Besides, these rods receive greater strain than the primary rods.[45]

Deformity corrections with PSO are demanding procedures with high rates of complications (37% and 67% when performed in the lumbar and thoracic regions respectively), including 12 to 30% of sensitive or motor neurological deficits, most of them transient.[46] [47] [48] Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring has presumably positive effects in identifying neurological deficits, but it still might neglect some neurological injuries.[49] Therefore, although IONM should be used in deformity corrective surgery involving PSO whenever available, its role in the decrease of new neurological deficits is still unclear.[50] An experimental study in swine[51] has demonstrated that spinal cord injury (SCI) occurred when the shortening was equivalent to the height of one vertebra at the thoracolumbar level. Thus, a PSO performed to correct sagittal TL hyperkyphosis should not result in neurological damage if judicious care is taken with dural sac retraction (more protection than retraction) and wide emerging root decompressions followed by inspection of neural elements during and after osteotomy closure.

The mean blood loss during a PSO is of 55% of the patient's volemia, and in 24% of cases there can be losses of ∼ 4 L of blood.[48] Thus, a cell saver should be preferably used to avoid massive transfusion. Dural tear is the most common complication after PSO for the treatment of short-angle kyphosis (15.8%).[34]

Conclusions

The present report highlights the rationale, surgical steps and outcome of spinal stabilization with the four-rod technique after a PSO in the TL junction. During a two-year follow-up, there was no pseudarthrosis or implant failure, and the patient experienced sustained improvement in pain control and quality of life, as depicted by the self-reported questionnaires. This technique has been proven to increase construct stiffness and prevent rod breakages in the lumbar spine. Also, the placement of short rods (and screws) is feasible, and should not considerably increase the complications and the operating time. Despite this, the technique must still be compared in larger series to other procedures used in the correction of short-angle kyphosis in the TL junction, such as circumferential stabilization, as well as PSO and two-rod fixation.

Conflict of Interests

The authors have none to declare.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Fernando Mosca for his skillful illustrations.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

The medical ethics committee of the Medical Sciences Center at Universidade Federal da Paraíba approved this study under the following registration number: CAAE 89898718.3.0000.8069. Before and during the present study, informed consent was obtained from the participant after a brief discussion and explanation.

Consent for publication

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this case report and its accompanying images.

Availability of data and materials

The data and materials used during the present study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Competing interests

The authors report no competing interests concerning the materials or methods used in the present study or the findings specified in this paper.

Author contribution

AB was in charge of patient management. He also wrote the case summary, and was responsible for supervising, correcting and proof-reading the writings of other authors. SP was involved in writing the manuscript alongside AB, as well as in maintaining patient follow-up. TT was involved in patient management; she supervised and proof-read the writings of other authors as well. RN participated in the writings of the discussion session. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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