Long-construct fixations can be complicated by proximal junctional kyphosis. In elderly, high-risk patients with numerous comorbidities, lengthy surgical times and increased blood loss associated with revision osteotomies and extension of fusions are not often tolerated and pose serious life-threatening risks. We present a salvage technique used in a patient with proximal junctional failure and demonstrate its role in improving symptoms and functionality in those not deemed fit for major surgery. Pre- and postoperative pain scores in accordance with the visual analogue scale, walking distances and radiographs were reviewed in a patient who underwent the salvage technique to ascertain the subjective and objective difference in pain and functionality. The patient showed marked improvement in pain scores and walking distances postoperatively. Additionally, the degree of proximal junctional kyphosis was lower on postoperative radiographs. While holding risks of its own, our described technique can be performed in select cases and is a good salvage procedure in high-risk patients. It prevents their exposure to the risks that accompany large revision operations and fusion models with further potential to fail. We recommend that our technique is performed only at specialist centres.
Previous cases in the literature have related to mal-positioning on the Jackson table or use of the knee-chest position for surgery. This was not the case for our patients; therefore, we suspect an association between overactive muscle stimulation and muscle necrosis. Further experimental studies investigating this link are required.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.