title: Charcot arthropathy of the lumbar spine treated using one-staged posterior three-column shortening and fusion.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We present a case of lumbar Charcot arthropathy successfully treated surgically using posterior 3-column resection, spinal shortening, and fusion.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The operative treatment of Charcot arthropathy of the spine has conventionally been a combination of anterior and posterior surgery. The morbidity associated with these surgical procedures can be considerable. A posterior-only approach to the problem would avoid the additional morbidity associated with an anterior approach. We present a case of lumbar Charcot arthropathy with deformity treated successfully using such a procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Discussion of the patient's clinical and radiologic history, the technical merits of the operative intervention and a review of the relevant background literature are presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A multilevel, single-stage, posterior 3-column resection with primary shortening and instrumented fusion augmented with rhBMP2 in a multiply operated patient with deformity provided a optimal biologic and mechanical environment for healing of the Charcot arthropathy and improved the sagittal and coronal profile of the spine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single-stage, multilevel, posterior 3-column resection and primary shortening can be a useful surgical strategy in symptomatic patients with Charcot arthropathy of the spine.
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada,
authors.forename: Kenny Samuel
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: Amit Omprakash
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Agarwala
authors.forename: Yoga Raja
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Rampersaud
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome