Hemivertebra excision - Posterior-only approach with 3-rod technique

Posterior-only hemivertebra excision (PHVE) is effective treatment for isolated hemivertebrae which cause significant local deformity. Multiple balanced hemivertebrae or global structural deformity are probably not appropriate for PHVE. PHVE works well in cervico-thoracic, thoraco-lumbar, lumbar and lumbosacral locations, with varying degrees of technical difficulty, while mid-thoracic PHVE seems less effective. Associated segmental kyphotic deformity is most easily treated, while segmental lordosis can be problematic with a posterior-only approach.

Source: Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics - September 14, 2016 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: John B. Emans, Michael Glotzbecker, Daniel Hedequist Source Type: research