RESUMEN
Objective To summarize the experience, technique and curative effect of vertebral column resection via posterior approach for kyphotic deformity in children. Methods The clinical data of 10 children (3 males and 7 females; aged 6-15 years with average of 11 years) who suffered from kyphotic deformity and undergone one-stage posterior vertebral column resection and reconstruction from Jul. 2010 to Aug. 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The pre-operative Cobb angle of kyphosis was 76°-112° with an mean of 97.8°. Nervous system symptoms were found in 2 children, of them one was of Frankel C class and another one was of Frankel D. All the children underwent one-stage posterior vertebral column resection, pedicle fixation combined with bone graft. Results The operation was successfully in all the patients. The average surgery time was 373min (240-560min), the intraoperative blood loss was 1115ml (550-2200ml), the average post-operative Cobb angle of kyphosis was 29.3°(10°-43°), and the correction rate was 70.0%. The torso and shoulder imbalance in all the 10 children was significantly improved, and dorsolumbar pain was markedly relieved. The Frankel classification of 2 children having preoperative nervous system symptoms were both ameliorated to class E after operation. Conclusions Posterior vertebral column resection with pedicle screw-rod fixation is an effective and safe surgical method for the treatment of kyphotic deformity in children. Satisfactory stability of short segment fixation and bone graft fusion can be accomplished.