The treatment of paralysis associated with kyphosis: role of anterior decompression.

A multi-disciplinary team approach is essential to achieve good results and to reduce morbidity and mortality from anterior spinal cord compression due to kyphosis. There are several procedures for the individual patient management. The absolute indication is progressive neurological deficit. Preoperative investigations should include detailed neurological, neuro-urological, roentgenological and myelographic and pulmonary function measurements. Intraoperative management of patient positioning, exposure, ostectomy, hemostasis and replacement of blood loss require special attention. Postoperative and long term follow-up observations are necessary for good patient care.