Osteotomies
Osteotomies are bone-cutting procedures. In the spine, their goal is to produce lordosis. They can also correct rigid or angular scoliosis that occurs over a short segment.
Anterior-Posterior Osteotomy
The anterior-posterior osteotomy is very similar to a vertebral column resection. In a vertebral column resection, an entire vertebra or more are removed from the back of the spine. This dislocates the spine so it can be repositioned properly. The anterior-posterior osteotomy has the same effect, but the back portion of the bone is removed from the back of the spine, and the front portion is removed from a separate anterior incision. This avoids reaching around the nerves to remove all of the vertebra.Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)
The vertebral column resection the most powerful and dangerous procedure that can be performed on the spine. An entire vertebra or more are removed from the back of the spine. This dislocates the spine so it can be repositioned properly. In this procedure, we must stabilize the spine above and below the osteotomy with pedicle screws and rods. The nerves are completely decompressed before the spine is repositioned.
