Mini-open anterior approach for corpectomy in the thoracolumbar spine.
BACKGROUND
Traditional open anterior approaches to the TL spine were reported with a significant morbidity from a large wound field; therefore, "minimally invasive" thoracoscopic and laparoscopic anterior approaches have been recently introduced. However, these endoscopic techniques require a long and steep learning curve, require expensive disposable endoscopy material, and may be little suited for complication management. Alternatively, "mini-open" anterior approaches with table-mounted retractor systems have also been recently introduced.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients underwent a single-level thoracic or lumbar corpectomy and cage reconstruction for an unstable traumatic burst fracture or vertebral body tumor. A transthoracic (n = 6), transthoracic transdiaphragmatic (n = 23), or retroperitoneal (n = 8) mini-open approach was conducted with the SynFrame (Stratec Medical, Oberdorf, Switzerland) table-mounted retractor. Prior posterior pedicle screw fixation was performed in 35 of 37 patients.


RESULTS
The mean surgical duration of the anterior approach was 181 minutes, and the average blood loss was 632 mL. There was no neurological worsening. On a VAS from 0 to 10, the mean local pain from the anterior approach was 1.7 at 6 months postoperatively, 1.4 at 12 months, and 1.0 at 24 months. Construct stability was found in all patients at 6 months after surgery. Six transient complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The mini-open anterior approach for corpectomy in the TL spine is safe, reliable, and economical. The table-mounted SynFrame retractor provides a stable operating field through which a familiar direct 3-dimensional view of the anterior TL spine is obtained with limited approach morbidity. This technique is an excellent alternative to thoracoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, avoiding the steep learning curve, technical difficulties, and equipment costs of endoscopic procedures.
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. mpayer@hotmail.com
Michael
M
Payer
Cyrille
C
Sottas
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome