Revision surgery of postoperative kyphotic deformity: A case report and review of the literature

•The pathogenesis of PJK has yet to be established. Suggested mechanisms include the following: extensive paraspinal muscle dissection at the upper instrumented vertebra, disruption of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments (posterior tension band), improper end-vertebra selection, compression fracture at the most instrumented vertebra, instrumentation failure at the proximal construct, and facet violation. In addition, many studies have investigated the risk factors of PJK in order to better understand the pathogenesis of PJK.•The development of implant techniques for spinal surgery has allowed multilevel spinal instrumentation. As a conclusion, PJK, as one of the related complications, has received attention in recent years. For surgical planning, preferring short segment stabilization due to age may cause proximal junctional kyphosis. As a result, it may lead to more complicated revision surgeries. Therefore, the patient should be carefully evaluated during surgical planning. It should be noted that prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis is easier than treatment. Management of spinal degenerative deformities always represents a challenge for the spinal surgeon. Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery patients is a severe complication with potential need for revision surgery. We present the case of the patient had proximal junctional kyphosis after thoracolumbar junction short segment fusion surgery. Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a complication of surgical management for adult spinal deformity with a multifactorial etiology. Prevention of PJK is more important than the treatment. In order to prevent PJK, the risk factors should be considered before surgery. The patient should be carefully evaluated during surgical planning. It should be noted that prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis is easier than treatment.