Introduction and aim:. With up to 70% of adults with tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severe spinal tuberculosis presents a different set of clinical and surgical challenges. To overcome the disadvantages of various traditional techniques, particularly in patients who are HIV-positive with opportunistic pulmonary pathology, and to obviate the need to violate the diaphragm in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine, a posterior vertebral column resection through a single posterior approach was proposed. The aim of this study is to report on the early results of the single-stage posterior only vertebral column resection. Method:. A total of 12 patients (10 females and 2 males) seen at CMJAH between January 2007 and January 2011 underwent a single-stage posterior only posterior vertebral column resection, and were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for PVCR are essentially the same as those for 360 degrees decompression and fusion. The mean follow-up period was 15.8 months (range 5 to 44 months). Results:. Eleven allografts and 1 autograft were placed centrally and secured. The kyphosis correction averaged 17.83 degrees (range 0 to 45 degrees); with no loss of correction at last follow-up. The mean number of vertebrae removed was 1.325 (0.75 to 2) with the mean instrumented levels of 3.8 (2 to 7). The mean duration of surgery was 266.6 minutes (140 to 415 mins), the mean intra-operative blood loss was 712.5 mls (350–2100 mls). No loosening or breakage of screws occurred. The mean Frankel neurology grading at last follow-up was D (B to E). Conclusion:. Early results of single-stage only PVCR are gratifying, particularly in patients with decreased pulmonary functions who will not withstand to adverse effects of anterior surgery and 2 stage-surgery. It is an effective surgical technique but technically demanding procedure with possible risks of major complications

Objective. Posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) is indicated in the management of severe rigid spine deformities. It is a complex surgical procedure and is only performed in a few spine centres due to the technical expertise required and associated risk. The purpose of this study is to review the indications, surgical challenges and outcomes of patients undergoing PVCR. Methods. 12 patients with severe spinal deformities who underwent PVCR were retrospectively reviewed after a follow-up of 2 years. Surgery was performed with the aid of motor evoked spinal cord monitoring and cellsaver when available. The average surgical duration was 310 minutes (100–490). The average blood loss was 1491 ml (0–3500). The indication for PVCR was gross deformity and myelopathy which was due to congenital spinal deformities and one case of old tuberculosis. Clinical records and the radiographic parameters were reviewed. Results. Kyphosis of an average of 72 degrees was corrected to 28 degrees. The associated scoliosis was corrected from an average of 49.2 to 21.2 degrees. Ten patients improved neurologically to ASIA D and E. One patient deteriorated markedly, required revision with no initial improvement but reached ASIA E at 6 months after surgery. Four patients had associated syringomyelia. All were re-scanned at 1 year. The three with small syrinx's demonstrated no progression on MRI and the large syrinx resolved completely. In addition to the neurological deterioration, complications included 1 right lower lobe pneumonia. Conclusion. PVCR is an effective option to correct complex rigid kyphoscoliosis. In addition it allows excellent circumferential decompression of the cord and neurological recovery. When the congenital scoliosis is associated with syringomyelia with no other cause evident, it may allow resolution of the syrinx. Key words: Posterior vertebral column resection, severe spinal deformities, myelopathy, syringomyelia. NO DISCLOSURES

Purpose. Curative treatment of malignancies in the sacrum and lumbar spine frequently requires en-bloc spinopelvic resection. There is no standard classification of these procedures. We present a classification of these resections based on analysis of 45 consecutive cases of oncologic spinopelvic resections. This classification implies a surgical approach, staging algorithm, bony and soft tissue reconstruction, and functional outcomes following surgery. Method. We reviewed oncologic staging, surgical resections, and reconstructions of 45 consecutive patients undergoing spinopelvic resection with curative intent. Mean follow-up of surviving patients was 38 months. Common themes in these cases were identified to formulate the surgical classification. Results. Tumors included chondrosarcoma (n=11), other sarcomas (n=11), osteosarcoma (n=9), chordoma (n=6), locally invasive carcinoma (n=5), and others (n=3). Resections could be divided into 5 types based on the exent of the lumbosacral resection and the need for an associated external hemipelvectomy. Type 1 resections included a total sacrectomy +/− lumbar spine resection. Type 2 resections included hemisacrectomy +/− partial lumbar excision, and iliac wing resection. Type 3 resections encompassed external hemipelvectomy with hemisacrectomy +/− partial lumbar excision. Type 4 resections encompassed external hemipelvectomy with total sacrectomy +/− lumbar excision. Type 5 excisions involved hemicorporectomy type procedures. For each type of resection we have developed guidelines for trans- vs retroperitoneal surgical approaches, staging of the resections, bony and soft tissue reconstructive procedures to re-establish spinopelvic continuity, and predicted functional outcomes for patients. At mean 38 month follow-up on surviving patients, 28 are living and 17 are deceased. Twenty-two of 28 surviving patients are disease free. Nineteen of 26 surviving patients are independent in their activities of daily living. Conclusion. En bloc spinopelvic resections may be classified into five types based on the extent of lumbosacral excision and the need for concurrent hemipelvectomy. Using this classification system, we have formulated treatment strategies to guide surgical approach, procedural staging, bony and soft tissue reconstructive procedures, and expected functional outcomes. Long term survival and independent function can be achieved in this challenging patient population