Bilateral psoas release for long standing hip-spine syndrome: surgical technique and case report

Background: Severe positive sagittal malalignment can potentially lead to shortening and contracture of the psoas and joint capsule in a flexed spinopelvic position. The utilization of bilateral psoas release to supplement sagittal spinal deformity correction in the same hospitalization was not reported in the literature.

Case presentation: A 66-year-old patient presented with a 5-year history of severe global spinal deformity (sagittal vertical axis 220 mm, 60° spinopelvic mismatch) that did not improve on supine radiographs, and a modified Thomas test with more than 30° flexion contracture of bilateral hips. A 3-stage operation utilizing posterior spinal column osteotomies, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, and bilateral psoas releases was performed.

Outcome: Her postoperative alignment significantly improved and she was pleased with her new posture and the ability to stand up straight.

Conclusions: This report is the first to demonstrate safe and substantial correction of severe spinal deformities associated with bilateral hip flexion contracture in 1 hospitalization.