The Surgical Treatment of Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Disc Lesions Using the Anterior Approach

Abstract

During the past 11 years, 6 cases of symptomatic thoracic and thoracolumbar disc lesions have been treated by an anterior surgical procedure. This procedure has consisted of total discectomy of the involved intervertebral disc, followed by intervertebral body fusion using autogenous iliac bone through an anterior approach. The extrapleural approach to the thoracic vertebrae has been preferable because of simplified postoperative care with easier prevention of postoperative respiratory complications. All 6 cases have done well postoperatively. It should be emphasized that symptomatic thoracic and thoracolumbar disc lesions are suitable for surgical treatment by the anterior approach