STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of posterior vertebral column resection for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Loss of correction after implant removal in patients with posterior instrumented fusion has been previously reported. However, to our knowledge, posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion has not been reported. METHODS: An 18-year-old female with severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit was classified as Frankel C, according to the Frankel grading system. She underwent posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation at 16 years, and her implants were removed after 1 year due to back pain. Seven months after removal of the implants, she began to experience weakness in her lower limbs but did not seek any treatment. She was unable to stand and had to use a wheelchair. The patient successfully underwent PVCR and posterior reinstrumentation. Within 3 months, her neurological status improved to Frankel E. RESULTS: The patient had no neurological deterioration and infections. There was no instrumentation failure and loosening correction at the 32 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PVCR and pedicle screw fixation is a safe and efficacious option for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of posterior vertebral column resection for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Loss of correction after implant removal in patients with posterior instrumented fusion has been previously reported. However, to our knowledge, posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion has not been reported. METHODS: An 18-year-old female with severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit was classified as Frankel C, according to the Frankel grading system. She underwent posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation at 16 years, and her implants were removed after 1 year due to back pain. Seven months after removal of the implants, she began to experience weakness in her lower limbs but did not seek any treatment. She was unable to stand and had to use a wheelchair. The patient successfully underwent PVCR and posterior reinstrumentation. Within 3 months, her neurological status improved to Frankel E. RESULTS: The patient had no neurological deterioration and infections. There was no instrumentation failure and loosening correction at the 32 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PVCR and pedicle screw fixation is a safe and efficacious option for severe and rigid spinal deformity associated with neurological deficit after implant removal following posterior instrumented fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.