The “Kickstand Rod” Technique for Coronal Imbalance in Patients With Spinal Deformity: A Case Report With Review of Literature

Case Reports

. 2020 Dec 3;12(12):e11876.


doi: 10.7759/cureus.11876.

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Case Reports

Brian Fiani et al.


Cureus.


.

Abstract

Coronal imbalance is a type of spinal deformity with deviation from midline in the coronal plane. It is challenging to correct even in the hands of experienced spine surgeons. Many conventional techniques lead to unsuccessful results or complications. However, the incorporation of “kickstand rod” (KR) instrumentation is now understood to provide a more supported coronal correction and improve spinal deformities. Sometimes it can be used to provide additional spinal support in instances where spinal fusion has already occurred. The KR is placed from a posterior approach along the lateral spine from lumbar spine to ilium and exerts distraction forces that counteract misaligned spinal segments. Our objective is to present a clinical case example with a brief review of literature. Herein, we present a case of a 62-year-old male with the development of significant coronal imbalance following his posterior lumbosacral instrumentation and fusion 11 years prior to presentation. KR supplementation to his hardware improved his functional outcome significantly. Further, we provide a literature review of the surgical characteristics, indications, and functional outcomes of KR instrumentation. A term search of “kickstand rod” was performed in PubMed, and relevant English language publications were included. The literature search yielded only six publications. A total of 45 patients across three studies were assessed. A mean postoperative coronal balance magnitude of 26.83 mm was calculated compared to the preoperative coronal magnitude of 64.16 mm. Results also showed only four cases of intraoperative or postoperative complications. Moreover, the presented case reported successful KR implementation without any intraoperative complications. KR instrumentation is a safe and effective technique for coronal imbalance correction. The results show favorable outcomes in terms of coronal adjustment and low complication rates. Nevertheless, we caution the fact that further studies are warranted with long-term follow-ups.


Keywords:

coronal imbalance; deformity correction; kickstand rod; lumbar-fusion; posterior long segment fusion; posterior spinal fixation and fusion; sagittal balance; scoliosis; spinal deformity; spinal instrumentation.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures


Figure 1


Figure 1. Preoperative CT of the lumbar spine, coronal view, displays the curvature of the patient’s lumbar spine and identifies the existing hardware from prior surgery.

CT, computed tomography.


Figure 2


Figure 2. Preoperative standing upright scoliosis x-ray films show the severe S-shaped scoliotic curvature of the patient’s thoracolumbar spine with coronal imbalance prior to kickstand rod surgery.


Figure 3


Figure 3. Preoperative standing upright scoliosis x-ray films shows the kyphotic deformity with patient’s inability to stand upright prior to kickstand rod surgery.


Figure 4


Figure 4. Postoperative standing upright lumbar spine x-rays defining the kickstand rod placement along the patient’s lumbar-iliac junction.


Figure 5


Figure 5. Proposed algorithm for surgeon decision-making.

CT, Computed tomography; LLA, lumbar lordosis angle.

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