title: Anterior approach to the upper thoracic vertebrae.
abstract: The anterior exposure of the upper thoracic spine using standard methods is often difficult and limited. We report our experience using a technique described by Sundaresan et al. (1984) in which the medial portion of one clavicle and part of the manubrium sterni are excised. In 10 cases we found this to be a useful and safe procedure.
authors.affiliation: King Edward VIII Hospital, South Africa.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Govender
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002968:Clavicle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008371:Manubrium / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*