Treatment of Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Tuberculous Kyphosis with the Anterior Shifting Decompression Technique via a Posterior Approach: A Case Report

Abstract

Study Design Case report

Objectives To introduce a novel surgical technique for treating thoracic myelopathy caused by tuberculous kyphotic deformity

Summary of Literature Review Traditional posterior approaches for thoracic kyphosis have shown mixed outcomes and are associated with significant complications. To address these limitations, anterior decompression via a posterior approach has been reported to be effective for managing severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

Materials and Methods A 60-year-old man with recurrent thoracic myelopathy caused by tuberculous kyphosis underwent a novel technique that indirectly decompressed the spinal cord by anteriorly shifting the ossified lesions.

Results The patient showed significant neurological improvement postoperatively with minimal complications.

Conclusions Anterior shifting decompression via a posterior approach was found to be effective for addressing thoracic kyphotic deformities, in addition to its utility for thoracic OPLL.