ONE-STAGE FRONT AND BACK CORRECTION FOR RIGID CERVICAL KYPHOSIS - A NEW SAFER TECHNIQUE OF CORRECTION FOR A RARE CASE OF ADULT-ONSET STILLSDISEASE

This report describes a ne- safe technique for surgical correction of rigid cervical kyphosis, in a very rare case of adult-onset Still's di sease. It differs from all the previously mentioned reports of similar corrective osteotomies, the essential difference being a combined ant erior (front) and posterior (back) approach performed at one stage (un der a single anesthesia). The ''front'' is a release procedure of an o pen-wedge variety, and the ''back'' is a closed-wedge type of osteotom y. Such a double procedure ensures a slow and controlled correction at the preoperatively determined level, rather than a snapshot, rapid, a nd often a violent correction, which may occur at an undesired level. This osteotomy is performed under general anesthesia after an endotrac heal intubation by a special ''guided'' maneuver. This new technique, the authors believe, is not only a more comfortable option for the sur geon, but also a safer alternative for the patient.