# A Modified Staged Three-Level Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy Approach for Severe Ankylosing Spondylitis Using CT Navigation and Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel

**Authors:** Rawan Masarwa, Nigil S Palliyil, Sultan Al-Kalbani, Hussein Akil, Elie Najjar, Nasir A Quraishi

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101882 · Cureus · 2026-01-19

## TL;DR

This paper presents a modified PSO technique using CT navigation and an ultrasonic bone scalpel to safely correct severe spinal deformities in ankylosing spondylitis.

## Contribution

A modified three-level PSO approach combining CT navigation and ultrasonic bone scalpel for safer and more efficient correction of severe spinal deformities.

## Key findings

- The modified technique achieved satisfactory deformity correction in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.
- Clinical and radiographic improvements were maintained for 24 months post-surgery.
- Modern tools may enhance the safety and efficiency of complex PSO procedures.

## Abstract

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a well-established technique for correcting rigid spinal deformities but remains technically demanding and carries notable risks. We describe a modified three-level PSO technique utilizing CT-guided navigation and an ultrasonic bone scalpel in a patient with severe sagittal imbalance secondary to ankylosing spondylitis. The procedure achieved satisfactory deformity correction with maintained clinical and radiographic improvement at 24 months. While further experience is needed to assess its broader applicability, this case suggests that incorporating modern navigation and precision tools may help optimize the safety and efficiency of complex PSO procedures.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** ankylosing spondylitis (MONDO:0005306)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Neck Disability (MESH:D006258), neurological complications (MESH:D002493), blood loss (MESH:D016063), junctional failure (MESH:D051437), pseudarthrosis (MESH:D011542), pain (MESH:D010146), impaired visual alignment (MESH:D014786), cervicothoracic deformity (MESH:C537371), flatback syndrome (MESH:D013577), sagittal deformities (MESH:D003398), cervical deformities (MESH:D002575), neurological deficits (MESH:D009461), spinal deformities (MESH:D013122), Thoracic kyphosis (MESH:D007738), AS (MESH:D013167), venous congestion (MESH:D006940), obesity (MESH:D009765), bleeding (MESH:D006470), wound infections (MESH:D014946), numbness (MESH:D006987), nerve injury (MESH:D000080902), degenerative scoliosis (MESH:D012600), chin-on- (MESH:D000094222), rigidity (MESH:D009127), degeneration (MESH:D009410), ) deformities (MESH:D009140)
- **Chemicals:** saline (MESH:D012965), PSO (-), povidone iodine (MESH:D011206)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

15 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917438/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917438/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12917438