UPDATE ON SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CERVICAL KYPHOSIS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Cervical kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis is a debilitating disease for the patient as well as a complex deformity for the surgeon to treat. Ankylosing spondylitis patients should be assessed clinically and radiologically to determine their indications for surgery. Thorough preoperative evaluation of the patient and surgical planning are critical to the success of the corrective surgery. Various kyphotic deformities and osteotomy classifications can be taken into consideration for surgical planning. There are various types of corrective procedures for the treatment of cervical kyphosis. For patients with ankylosing spondylitis and chin-on-chest deformity, pedicle subtraction osteotomy offers the largest angle of correction. However, pedicle subtraction osteotomy is highly technically demanding and associated with a substantial risk for neurovascular complications.