Biomechanical Analysis of Osteotomy Type (OWO, CWO) and Rod Diameter for Treatment of Cervicothoracic Kyphosis

Sagittal imbalance of the cervicothoracic spine often causes severe pain and loss of horizontal gaze. Traditionally, C7 opening wedge osteotomy has been classically performed for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. For patients without ankylosing spondylitis closing wedge osteotomy may be considered for more controlled closure. Biomechanical characteristics of the two osteotomy alternatives have not yet been analyzed. The goal of this study is to characterize the structural stability of the two types of cervicothoracic junction osteotomies and the independent effect of rod diameter.