J Neurointensive Care.  2019 Oct;2(2):99-102. 10.32587/jnic.2019.00185.

Critical Care in Patient with Neuromuscular Cervicothoracic Kyphosis

• Hong KU
• Jung Jm
• Hyun SJ
• Kim KJ
• Jahng TA

• KMID: 2555029
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.32587/jnic.2019.00185

Abstract

A 10-year-old boy had a neuromuscular cervicothoracic kyphosis and kyphotic deformity got worse as he grew. He underwent posterior spinal fusion from T6 to pelvis two years ago. However, kyphosis progressed gradually, and difficulty occurred in breathing with a ventilator. We perform deformity correction with vertebral column resection at T5 and posterior fixation from T2 to T9 and posterior onlay fusion. Surgical correction is offered to stop the kyphosis progression, and finally to maintain the airway. After surgery, the patient transferred to an intensive care unit for respiratory care. The patient's breathing was much better than before surgery, and the patient was transferred to the general ward. We report the importance of postoperative care in spinal deformity patient with respiratory distress.

Keyword

Neuromuscular kyphosis; Spinal deformity surgery; Pulmonary complications; Intensive care