title: A transsternoclavicular approach for the anterior decompression and fusion of the upper thoracic spine. Technical note.
abstract: The anterior approach is commonly used to reach the upper thoracic region to achieve decompression and stabilization; however, upper thoracic lesions are difficult to treat because of the regional anatomical structures, and this approach is associated with risks of complication. The authors evaluated the advantages of using a transsternoclavicular approach to aid in treating upper thoracic lesions. The procedure and surgery-related outcomes are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan. mutamura@k9.dion.ne.jp
authors.forename: Mutsuhiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Masafumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Machida
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shibasaki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D017887:Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000601:surgery*