Medical Korea The correction of severe sagittal deformity -World first osteotomy for spine deformity patient- Kyung Hee University International Medical Service A patient got a new life after several major operations of his spine. A 48- year- old patient visited Kyung Hee University Internal Medical service center with chin on chest deformity, severe thoracolumbar kyphosis and ankylosis of both hip joints. He was impossible to active daily living due to severe kyphosis, and his oral hygiene was very poor because of chin on chest deformity. Even looking straight ahead was an impossible dream for him over 15 years before the operations. The operations were conducted by Professor Kim Ki-tack, M.D. with other orthopedic surgery department staff in Kyung Hee University International Medical Service. The Kyphosis in his spine was over 165 degree and his spine deformity fixed after several operations over 7 months. He walked out of the hospital door with being able to be prone position, having a meal in sitting position, and looking straight ahead. All operations were conducted under bronchoscopic intubaton. As he was not able to be prone position, both hip resection arthroplasty was conducted first, and then cervical pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed in sitting position 3 weeks later. After these operations, prone position became possible, so the medical staff could conduct posterior thoracolumbar osteotomy. About 2 weeks after cervical osteotomy, thoracic posterior vertebral column resection and lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy were performed. 3 weeks later, he was underwent both hip conversion total hip arthroplasty. All operations were planed subsequently. After 6 months of follow up, he was able to look straight ahead with independent ambulation. With a systemic planning of strategic operations, successful correction can be done without major complication. The additional surgeries was necessary such as Latissimus dorsi muscle flap and right hip revision arthroplasty because of pressure sore on his back and recurrent dislocation. This severe spine deformity has never been reported "cured", and all of the operations including additional surgeries, which he had been conducted, require a high level of medical expertise. Professor Kim and his team were all highly skilled surgeons with plenty of experience in spine deformity and osteotomy. This case was reported as the first successful correction of severe sagittal deformity in the world. This case will be published in renowned international medical journals including "SPINE". http://www.kuims.or.kr

• published: 13 Jun 2011
• views: 2424242