Coluna final 071005.pmd

INTRODUCTION The development of cervical deformity, such as kyphosis, may be secondary to advanced degenerative disease, trauma, neoplastic disease, or postsurgical changes. Cervical kyphosis may develop after either ventral or dorsal approaches. After ventral cervical surgery, kyphosis may result from pseudarthrosis or the failure to restore adequate lordosis. Following dorsal surgery, kyphosis may develop and progress in response to disruption of the natural stabilizing structures, such as the tension band of the dorsal cervical spine. ABSTRACT This article addresses basic concepts in the biomechanics of cervical deformity correction. We highlight the principles of deformity correction, followed by a discussion of surgical strategies, including ventral, dorsal and combined approaches. We emphasize the ventral approach to the correction of postsurgical cervical kyphosis.