Spine: lumbar osteotomy for ankylosing kyphosis: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Spine: lumbar osteotomy for ankylosing kyphosis

Sample item

A man with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis has a fixed flexion deformity of the spine and cannot look straight ahead. Which operation corrects the deformity?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Spinal extension osteotomy such as a Smith-Petersen osteotomy

A fixed thoracolumbar kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis is corrected by an extension osteotomy through the fused spine, such as a Smith-Petersen or pedicle subtraction osteotomy. Laminectomy and discectomy decompress neural tissue and do not alter alignment. Vertebroplasty treats osteoporotic fractures.

Option by option

  • A. Spinal extension osteotomy such as a Smith-Petersen osteotomy (correct)

    Correct. An extension osteotomy restores sagittal alignment.

  • B. Discectomy

    Discectomy treats a herniated disc.

  • C. Laminectomy

    Laminectomy decompresses but does not correct kyphosis.

  • D. Vertebroplasty

    Vertebroplasty cements a collapsed vertebra.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Spinal extension osteotomy such as a Smith-Petersen osteotomy. A fixed thoracolumbar kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis is corrected by an extension osteotomy through the fused spine, such as a Smith-Petersen or pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

Why is "Discectomy" not the answer?

Discectomy treats a herniated disc.

Why is "Laminectomy" not the answer?

Laminectomy decompresses but does not correct kyphosis.

Why is "Vertebroplasty" not the answer?

Vertebroplasty cements a collapsed vertebra.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: lumbar osteotomy for ankylosing kyphosis in Orthopaedics. Laminectomy and discectomy decompress neural tissue and do not alter alignment. Vertebroplasty treats osteoporotic fractures.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine: lumbar osteotomy for ankylosing kyphosis?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.