Proximal Extension of Instrumentation Using Sublaminar Bands for Salvage of Postoperative Proximal Junctional Failure in Pediatric Patients

Proximal junctional failure (PJF) is a complication that can occur following posterior spine surgery with instrumentation. Ability to surgically revise this complication is important for the spine surgeon, yet there is little literature on the topic, especially for pediatric patients. The technique we describe involves proximal extension of the existing instrumentation using paired levels of sublaminar bands that allows for a smooth transition of forces at the junction of instrumented and non-instrumented regions of the spine.