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Research ArticleLumbar Spine

Heel Lift for Skiing to Compensate for Corrected Sagittal Vertical Axis After Spinal Surgery: A Case Report

Colleen Rentenberger, Stephan N. Salzmann, Jennifer Shue and Alexander P. Hughes
International Journal of Spine Surgery January 2021, 7162; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14444/7162
Colleen Rentenberger
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
MD
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Stephan N. Salzmann
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
MD
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Jennifer Shue
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
MS
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Alexander P. Hughes
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
MD
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ABSTRACT

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and pedicle subtraction osteotomy are common procedures to correct adult spinal deformities. Little is known about returning postoperatively to a high-performance sport such as skiing after spinal surgery. We report a case of an alpine skier who underwent a LLIF procedure combined with a posterior corrective osteotomy and posterior instrumentation, who had difficulties returning to skiing postoperatively because of new spinal biomechanics. The case report describes the possible consequences of spinal sagittal deformity surgery on postoperative skiing. A 63-year-old man with a complex lumbar spinal surgery history showed severe adjacent segment degenerative spondylolistheses at L1–L2 and at L5–S1. A lateral approach at L1–L2 combined with a posterior corrective osteotomy at L3 and instrumentation from T10 to the pelvis were performed. At his 1-year follow up, he made excellent progress and returned to skiing. However, he reported that skiing did not feel the same, and his center of gravity felt as if it shifted backwards. Consequently, he placed a 2-cm wedge in his ski binding, which improved his skiing experience. Sagittal vertical axis changes after spinal surgery affect the biomechanics of the entire body. After surgery, the body's ligaments, muscles, and fascia adapt to the new body posture. Activities such as skiing, where body posture plays an essential role, are particularly affected by spine surgeries. Surgeons should discuss this issue before spinal surgery with patients, especially if patients are involved in high-intensity sports.

  • lateral lumbar interbody fusion
  • pedicle subtraction osteotomy
  • skiing
  • stance
  • sagittal vertical axis

Footnotes

  • Disclosures and COI: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the Hospital for Special Surgery. No funds were received in support of this work. The device(s)/drug(s) is/are Food and Drug Administration approved or approved by corresponding national agency for this indication.

  • This manuscript is generously published free of charge by ISASS, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. Copyright © 2021 ISASS
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International Journal of Spine Surgery: 19 (S2)
International Journal of Spine Surgery
Vol. 19, Issue S2
1 Apr 2025
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Heel Lift for Skiing to Compensate for Corrected Sagittal Vertical Axis After Spinal Surgery: A Case Report
Colleen Rentenberger, Stephan N. Salzmann, Jennifer Shue, Alexander P. Hughes
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jan 2021, 7162; DOI: 10.14444/7162

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Heel Lift for Skiing to Compensate for Corrected Sagittal Vertical Axis After Spinal Surgery: A Case Report
Colleen Rentenberger, Stephan N. Salzmann, Jennifer Shue, Alexander P. Hughes
International Journal of Spine Surgery Jan 2021, 7162; DOI: 10.14444/7162
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More in this TOC Section

  • Recovery Trajectories After Lumbar Fusion Stratified by Baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Disability Levels
  • Safety and Viability of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Complex Revision Lumbar Spine Surgeries: Insights From a Case Series of 135 Patients on Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion/Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Removal
  • Effects of Body Mass Index on Spondylolisthesis Surgery and Associated Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Retrospective Review
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Keywords

  • lateral lumbar interbody fusion
  • pedicle subtraction osteotomy
  • skiing
  • stance
  • sagittal vertical axis

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