Anterior approach to thoracic and lumbar spine lesions: results in 145 consecutive cases

Abstract

The anterior route provides direct access to most spine diseases and allows optimal neural decompression and the possibility of adequate realignment and strong reconstruction/fixation. Stability of the vertebral column is achieved, resolution of clinical pain is rapid and almost complete, and the rate of surgical complications is very low. The authors assert that the SA-AA offers so many advantages and has such good results that the 2-stage anteroposterior approach can be reserved for a minority of select cases and that the time for using the posterior approach alone is over.