title: Transthoracic anterolateral decompression for thoracic spinal lesions.
abstract: Since 1978, the authors have treated 11 patients with lesions of the ventral thoracic spine via a transpleural anterolateral approach. Each of the patients presented with pain and paraparesis, 8 had sensory dysfunction, and 6 had demonstrated sphincteric disturbances. All 11 had radiographic confirmation of anterior cord compromise, and each underwent an anterior decompression, with 8 requiring graft stabilization. There were no surgical mortalities, and the postoperative complications were limited. In follow-up, 10 of the 11 patients had complete resolution of their preoperative pain and were able to ambulate independently. Remission of sensory disturbances was noted in 6 patients, and 5 regained sphincteric control. The authors have found that this approach is both safe and effective, with several advantages over conventional laminectomy and posterolateral techniques.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications; D010954:Plasmacytoma / Q000150:complications; D010994:Pleura / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000150:complications; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D008768:Methylmethacrylates