Spinal Deformities following Multiple Laminectomies in Children

Suk, Se Il; Kim, Yang; Choi, Song

Abstract

A clinical observation in 8 cases of multiple laminectomies under the age of 16 years who had been followed for more than 3 years was carried out to analyze deformities and its results of treatment, and the following results were obtained. 1. Spinal deformities were developed in 5 cases-4 kyphosis and 1 lordosis. 2. The kyphosis was developed in 1 case at cervical spine, 1 at thoracic, 1 at thoracolumbar junction and 1 at lumbar, and the lordosis was developed in 1 case at lumbar spine. 3. Anterior interbody fusion was carried out on two cases of kyphosis who had severe pain and neurological symptoms and posterolateral spinal fusion was carried out on one case of lumbar lordosis, with satisfactory results in all cases. 4. Since the incidence of spinal deformities following multiple laminectomies in children is high, laminectomy should be performed only when it is definitely indicated, and when it is done, damage to the posterior complex should be minimized. 5. For the prevention and treatment of the spinal deformities, brace or close observation should be necessary postoperatively, and spinal fusion should be performed in increasing or severe deformities.