Perioperative complications of symptomatic congenital kyphosis: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent improvements in the surgical treatment of congenital kyphosis, this surgery may be associated with high rate of complications "particularly when patients are symptomatic preoperatively". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical profiles of 40 patients with symptomatic congenital kyphosis were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative complications were recorded and divided in two groups including catastrophic complications (neurologic deficit, pulmonary thromboembolic events, and death) and major complications (infection, deep vein thrombosis, device failure, and dural injury). RESULTS: Catastrophic surgical complications occurred in nine (22.5%) patients including seven neurological deficits and two death. A significant association was observed between the incidence of major complications and type III of congenital kyphosis (P = 0.021). Major complications occurred in 14 (30%) patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment significantly improve symptomatic congenital kyphosis deformity; however, surgery of symptomatic patient may be associated with higher rate of complications and even death.