Ponte osteotomy

Abstract

Ponte osteotomy is a full-thickness, side-to-side, segmental resection of the posterior column of the spine and was designed to allow correction of kyphotic conditions by shortening of the posterior column. A counter-indication of Ponte osteotomy is stiffness of the anterior column that might impede the extension of the spine and shortening of the posterior column. As it provides moderate amounts of correction per level, it is usually performed at multiple levels in order to provide additive correction. Though it was originally described for its application in the thoracic spine, Ponte osteotomy (or posterior column osteotomy) can be performed in the lumbar and in the cervical spine too. Correction of deformity with Ponte osteotomy can be used alone or in combination with anterior lengthening techniques for enhanced correction.