Spine surgery for kyphosis is recommended for patients whose curvatures continue to progress or cause symptoms despite non-operative treatment. Corrective surgery for thoracic kyphosis is usually recommended when curves are larger than 80° to 90° when measured on x-rays. Kyphosis can extend into the mid or lower back and in those cases surgery is recommended for curves larger than 60° to 70° of kyphosis. Surgery is also an option for patients with disabling back pain or when kyphosis leads to compression of the spinal cord or nerves.

The goal of spinal reconstruction surgery is to decrease the patient's pain and to place the spine in a more natural position. Most commonly this surgery is performed through a posterior approach in the back of the spine. During the surgery, spinal implants including rods and screws are placed next to the spine. These implants correct the spinal deformity and stabilize the spine in its new position while the spine fuses, or mends, together. These bones ultimately heal into one solid piece for spinal stability and prevention of further curve progression. Complications may occur but are not common.

The majority of patients are satisfied with their pain relief and the results of their surgery. It is important that all patients are physically and psychologically prepared. All patients should stop smoking prior to any surgery, as smoking is extremely detrimental to your spine health, potential bone healing and successful surgical outcomes. Please review additional details with your surgeon prior to your surgery.

Occipitocervical fusion (OCF) is indicated for instability at the craniocervical junction (CCJ). Numerous surgical techniques, which evolved over 90 years, as well as unique anatomic and kinematic relationships of this region present a challenge to the neurosurgeon. The current standard involves internal rigid fixation by polyaxial screws in cervical spine, contoured rods and occipital plate. Such approach precludes the need of postoperative external stabilization, lesser number of involved spinal segments, and provides 95-100% fusion rates. New surgical techniques such as occipital condyle screw or transarticular occipito-condylar screws address limitations of occipital fixation such as variable lateral occipital bone thickness and dural sinus anatomy. As the C0-C1-C2 complex is the most mobile portion of the cervical spine (40% of flexion-extension, 60% of rotation and 10% of lateral bending) stabilization leads to substantial reduction of neck movements. Preoperative assessment of vertebral artery anatomical variations and feasibility of screw insertion as well as visualization with intraoperative fluoroscopy are necessary. Placement of structural and supplemental bone graft around the decorticated bony elements is an essential step of every OCF procedure as the ultimate goal of stabilization with implants is to provide immobilization until bony fusion can develop.