Progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with tethered cord treated by posterior vertebral column resection: a case report

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN.: A case report. OBJECTIVES.: To report a case of progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord that was corrected by posterior vertebral column resection after complicated untethering surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: There have been few clinical reports on posterior vertebral column resection conducted for severe deformity associated with a tethered cord. METHODS.: A patient with progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord first underwent untethering surgery, resulting in neurologic deterioration. Posterior vertebral column resection was performed to correct the kyphoscoliosis while shortening the spinal column to prevent the spinal cord from stretch injury. RESULTS.: Good correction of kyphoscoliosis was obtained without further neurologic deterioration. The Cobb angles of scoliosis was 103 degrees before surgery and 25 degrees after surgery (correction rate; 75.7%), and that of kyphosis was 90 degrees and 36 degrees , respectively (correction rate; 60.0%). CONCLUSION.: Correction of progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord can be achieved successfully by posterior vertebral column resection even after complicated untethering surgery.