Fixed cervical high-grade kyphosis: Chin-on-chest deformity—Treatment plan

Abstract

Background: Surgical correction of severe and rigid cervical kyphosis with chin-on-chest deformity poses significant challenges to both the patient and surgeon once surgery is considered as the treatment of choice. Objectives: This article presents the current concepts of corrective surgery for patients with severe and rigid cervical kyphosis. Material and methods: Narrative review and report of clinical experience. Results: The treatment of severe cervical kyphosis indicates a dedicated deformity assessment, the analysis of regional and global imbalance, the identification of spinal sagittal plane compensation mechanisms, detailed radiographic and clinical planning of corrective surgery, and the meticulous performance of surgical correction. Most recent large-scale studies serve as evidence for the benefit of surgical correction and outline the complications that need to be targeted during and after surgery. Conclusion: Surgical correction of severe cervical kyphosis can be a pleasant and life-changing event for the disabled patient.