Single-stage posterior transpedicular approach for circumferential epidural decompression and three-column stabilization using a titanium cage for upper thoracic spine neoplastic disease: a case series and technical note

Abstract

Two or three-column neoplastic spinal disease requiring circumferential decompression and instrumented stabilization is commonly treated through combined anterior transcavitary and posterior surgical approaches. An alternative approach advocated in the literature is costotransversectomy and interbody cage insertion. The authors present an effective and less invasive treatment paradigm using a single-stage posterior transpedicular approach (TPA) to circumferential thoracic decompression and fixation, avoiding the morbidity of thoracic or thoraco-abdominal access based on a series of eight patients with upper thoracic neoplastic disease.

Key words:

• Interbody grafting
• spinal tumour
• surgical decompression
• thoracic spine