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01-04-2015 | Ideas and Technical Innovations

Technical nuances of the minimally invasive extreme lateral approach to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures

Authors: Gurpreet S. Gandhoke, Zachary J. Tempel, Christopher M. Bonfield, Ricky Madhok, David O. Okonkwo, Adam S. Kanter

Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 3/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Contemporary minimally invasive techniques have evolved to enable direct access to the anterior spinal column via the extreme lateral approach. We have employed this access approach to treat selected burst fractures. We report our technique. Thoracolumbar burst fractures that require surgical intervention have traditionally been managed with anterior, posterior, or combined approaches.

Methods

We have applied the minimally invasive extreme lateral approach to perform vertebral corpectomy, cage placement, and lateral instrumentation to treat burst fractures. Indications for surgery were incomplete spinal cord injury with persistent neural element compression due to ventral fracture fragments in the canal. We present the technical nuances of this surgical approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with two case illustrations.

Results

There were no peri- or intra-operative complications. Both patients in our series remained neurologically intact at their last follow-up (11 and 29 months, respectively), and maintained their correction of kyphosis.

Conclusion

The minimally invasive extreme lateral approach is an effective treatment option for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

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Title: Technical nuances of the minimally invasive extreme lateral approach to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures
Authors: Gurpreet S. Gandhoke
Zachary J. Tempel
Christopher M. Bonfield
Ricky Madhok
David O. Okonkwo
Adam S. Kanter
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue Special Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-3880-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Technical nuances of the minimally invasive extreme lateral approach to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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