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. © 2025 Korean Society of Spine Surgery.