Schwab et al reported a classification for description of a spinal osteotomy. The authors are from multiple institutions in the United States.
Anatomic Resection
Grade
facet joint, partial
1
facet joint, complete
2
pedicle/partial body without disc
3
pedicle/partial body with disc
4
complete vertebrae and discs, single
5
complete vertebrae and discs, multiple
6
Grade
Expanded Description
1
resection of the inferior facet and joint capsule of a given vertebra
2
both superior and inferior facets resected; removal of ligamentum flavum; other posterior elements of the vertbra may be resected
3
partial wedge resection of the posterior vertebral body and a portion of the posterior vertebral elements iwth pedicles
4
wider wedge resection through the vertebral body; resection of posterior vertebral body and posterior elements; includes all or part of an endplate and the adjacent intervertebral disc
5
complete removal of a vertebra and both adjacent discs; in thoracic region includes rib removal
6
resection of >= 2 entire verebrae and adjacent discs
Surgical approach modifiers:
(1) posterior approach: P
(2) posterior resection and anterior soft tissue release: A/P
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