Proximal Junctional Kyphosis after Extensive Spinal Fixation (PJK, PJF). Clinical Case of Complication and Treatment

Abstract

Purpose Our goal is to demonstrate a typical clinical situation that promotes the development of PJF and PJK, as well as a variant of surgical treatment of these complications. Material and methods A case of a fracture of the overlying vertebra above the level of metal fixation of the vertebra and development of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJF and PJK) in a patient operated for degenerative scoliosis of the lumbar spine. Repeated extended stabilization of the spine without cranial level protection resulted in the re-development of this complication. Vertebroplasty of the bodies of two vertebrae cranial from the fixed vertebral motor segment was performed in order to prevent the development of PJF and PJK and a hybrid fixation with a polymeric band on the cranial vertebral motor segment (VMS) was performed. Result Observation for a year confirms a good result of treatment. Conclusion Using vertebroplasty of two vertebrae cranial from the fixed vertebral motor segment with 7-8 ml of bone cement per vertebra prevented the possible development of PJF and PJK in the presented clinical observation and achieved a good clinical outcome. Laminar band fixation of the cranial VMS ensured the transition of the rigid system into a semi-rigid system in its proximal part, which also contributed to prevention of PJF and PJK.