Abstract
Osteotomies of the spinal column are powerful corrective measures used to treat various forms of spinal deformity. Spinal osteotomies are procedures that remove specific bony structures in order to surgically correct a structural deformity of the spine. Until recently, there has been considerable variation in the description of and surgical technique for each osteotomy type. With the advent of an anatomic spinal osteotomy classification system, surgeons are better equipped to perform, and communicate, osteotomy procedures. The objective of this chapter is to review nomenclature and relevant details of an anatomically driven spinal osteotomy classification system. The system is compared to previous and current eponyms and alternative language. Operative technique and key perioperative issues are discussed. In this grading system, each osteotomy grade increases in bony resection, corrective power, and perioperative morbidity. The corresponding eponyms and alternative names are categorized accordingly. With further use, the anatomic classification system will provide further consistency among surgeons and within the literature.