Thoracoscopic management of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine
Bühren, V.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 115: 108-112
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9931592 Document Number: 492385
In 90 patients, stabilization of injuries of the thoracic spine and the thoracolumbar junction was performed using minimally invasive thoracoscopy. The method includes partial corporectomy with spinal decompression, interposition of a tricortical bone graft, and anterior spondylodesis by planting. Complications were rare and not severe, with only two conversions to open technique. Compared to the open, standard method benefits included reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and reduced morbidity.