Iatrogenic Flatback and Flatback Syndrome

Barrett S. Boody*, Brett D. Rosenthal, Tyler J. Jenkins, Alpesh A. Patel, Jason W. Savage, Wellington K. Hsu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Flatback syndrome can be a significant source of disability, affecting stance and gait, and resulting in significant pain. Although the historical instrumentation options for thoracolumbar fusion procedures have been commonly regarded as the etiology of iatrogenic flatback, inappropriate selection, or application of modern instrumentation can similarly produce flatback deformities. Patients initially compensate with increased lordosis at adjacent lumbar segments and reduction of thoracic kyphosis. As paraspinal musculature fatigues and discs degenerate, maintaining sagittal balance requires increasing pelvic retroversion and hip extension. Ultimately, disc degeneration at adjacent levels overcomes compensatory mechanisms, resulting in sagittal imbalance and worsening symptoms. Nonoperative management for sagittally imbalanced (sagittal vertical axis>5 cm) flatback syndrome is frequently unsuccessful. Despite significant complication rates, surgical management to recreate lumbar lordosis using interbody fusions and/or osteotomies can significantly improve quality of life.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-149
Number of pages8
JournalClinical spine surgery
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • flatback deformity
  • flatback syndrome
  • iatrogenic flatback
  • sagittal imbalance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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