Sternal splitting approach to upper thoracic lesions located anterior to the spinal cord.
The sternal splitting approach for upper thoracic lesions located anterior to the spinal cord is described. The sternal splitting approach can be effectively applied to lesions from the T-1 to T-3 levels. The aortic arch prevents procedures below this level. The approach is straight toward the T1-3 vertebral bodies and provides good surgical orientation. The sternal splitting approach was applied to five patients with metastatic spinal tumors at the C7-T3 levels and three patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament at the T1-3 levels. No postoperative neurological deterioration occurred. Two patients had postoperative hoarseness. The sternal splitting approach to the upper thoracic spine is recommended for hard lesions, extensive lesions requiring radical resection, and lesions requiring postoperative stabilization with spinal instrumentation.
Department of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka General Hospital.
J
J
Hanakita
H
H
Suwa
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000601:surgery*; D017887:Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome