Background: This is a retrospective study of the use of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for correction of severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity. Methods : From July 2016 to June 2017, 10 patients with severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity underwent PEO on T12 or L1 vertebrae were studied. Results : Following PEO at T12 or L1, the mean kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4± 8.5% and 76.6± 6.8%, respectively and the intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1990±1010 mL, and the mean operative time was 7.12± 3.88 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 60 ± 30, 47 ± 33, 44 ± 30, 32 ± 18, 50 ±30, 46 ± 29, 26 ± 40 and 52 ± 20 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 69 ± 19, 73 ± 11, 66 ± 21, 74 ± 16, 74 ± 24, 63 ± 37 and 76 ± 12 one year after surgery, respectively (P < 0.01). Three patients had symptoms of L1 nerve root injury, as reflected by lower limb weakness and inner thigh numbness on knee extension and hip flexion, which was further confirmed by electromyography. Conclusions : PEO is easier to operate, and the spinal cord and nerve root are under direct vision and can effectively and safely correct severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity with satisfactory clinical results. However, it is important to identify, separate and protect L1 nerve roots during surgery in cases where patients have symptoms of back pain, muscle weakness and leg numbness on the convex side after surgery.