Deformity/Ankylosing Spondylitis: M.H.

M.H. is a 63 year old gentleman with a history of ankylosing spondylitis causing his entire spine to be fused in a bent forward position (kyphosis). This position was making it very difficult for him to look up from the ground to talk to other people. It was also impossible for him to sit upright normally in a chair and he was unable to walk for more than a few minutes before his back muscles become very tired and painful.

After a lengthy discussion about the potential risks of a major deformity correction (“realignment”) surgery we decided to proceed with the surgery. We then spent a significant amount of time together planning the surgery. We ended up performing two osteotomies known as pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs) at L1 and L3 with pedicle screws and rods from T11 to L5. The surgery was successful and he woke up without neurologic deficits, was up walking in the hospital two days later, and left the hospital on post-op day 6. He went home after spending a week in an inpatient rehab center. Mark is very happy with his new position.