Outcomes after surgery for cervical spine deformity: review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Symptomatic cervical kyphosis can result from a variety of causes. Symptoms can include pain, neurological deficits, and functional limitation due to loss of horizontal gaze.


METHODS
The authors review the long-term functional and radiographic outcomes following surgery for symptomatic cervical kyphosis by performing a PubMed database literature search.


RESULTS
Fourteen retrospective studies involving a total of 399 patients were identified. Surgical intervention included ventral, dorsal, or circumferential approaches. Analysis of the degree of deformity correction and functional parameters demonstrated significant postsurgical improvement. Overall, patient satisfaction appeared high. Five studies reported mortality with rates ranging from 3.1 to 6.7%. Major medical complications after surgery were reported in 5 studies with rates ranging from 3.1 to 44.4%. The overall neurological complication rate was 13.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Although complications are not insignificant, surgery appears to be an effective option when conservative measures fail to provide relief.
Etame
Arnold B
AB
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5338, USA.
Wang
Anthony C
AC
Than
Khoi D
KD
La Marca
Frank
F
Park
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000706:statistics & numerical data