title: A novel technique for temporary fixation during posterolateral thoracic corpectomy.
abstract: METHODS
  Description of novel technique.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to describe a novel technique of temporary fixation for posterolateral thoracic corpectomy.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Posterolateral approaches have been used to successfully perform thoracic corpectomies for a variety of pathologies. As currently described, these approaches require the use of temporary fixation, usually in the form of unilateral pedicle screws and rod. One limitation of this technique is that the vertebral body may only be approached from one side at a time, as the temporary fixation rod obstructs the view of the surgeon or the assistant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors introduce a novel technique for temporary fixation during posterolateral thoracic corpectomy. A series of 8 patients is presented in whom a temporary fixation cross-rod was placed diagonally between cephalad and caudad contralateral pedicle screws. This allowed simultaneous access to the vertebral bodies by 2 surgeons, thereby improving exposure and decreasing operative time and estimated blood loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no complications related to temporary fixation during the procedures, and no translational movement was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagonal temporary rod fixation is a useful modification of standard posterolateral thoracic corpectomy techniques that allows simultaneous bilateral access for vertebral body resection.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. dmitry_ruban@rush.edu
authors: Dmitry
authors: D
authors: Ruban
authors: John E
authors: JE
authors: O'Toole
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome