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Objetivo: Analizar y describir una serie de fracturas tóraco-lumbares traumáticas tratadas con cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Material y métodos: Analizamos una serie de 26 pacientes con fracturas traumáticas tóraco-lumbosacras entre 2010-2017. Las imágenes pre-operatorias fueron clasificadas usando la clasificación AO. Analizamos en forma pre y post operatoria: escala visual analógica, volumen de pérdida sanguínea, duración de la hospitalización, complicaciones, cirugías asociadas en otros órganos, extracción de implantes en el largo plazo, estado neurológico pre y post quirúrgico y mortalidad.Los pacientes con historias clínicas completas, TAC pre-operatoria y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses fueron incluidos (18 hombres y 8 mujeres). La edad promedio fue de 28.7 años (21-84 años); seguimiento promedio de 28 meses (13-86 meses). Dieciocho pacientes fueron manejados con instrumentaciones percutáneas, 8 recibieron vertebroplastias, y en 5 casos se realizó además algún gesto de artrodesis. Resultados: La EVA mejoró 7 puntos promedio respecto al pre-operatorio; el promedio de sangrado fue de 40 mL, no observamos ningún caso de empeoramiento neurológico. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 3.9 días. Cuatro enfermos necesitaron alguna cirugía en otro órgano producto de sus politraumatismos.Los tornillos percutáneos fueron removidos en 9 casos luego de la consolidación. Como complicaciones tuvimos: 1 hematoma retroperitoneal autolimitado, una fractura pedicular y una cánula de cementación rota adentro de un pedículo. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva en trauma espinal es una alternativa válida que permite estabilización, movilización precoz y logra buenos resultados en términos de control del dolor con baja tasa de complicaciones

Objective: To analyze and describe a series of trauma-related thoraco-lumbo-sacral vertebral fractures managed with minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We retrospectively review the charts and images of 26 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures between 2010-2017. Pre-op images were assessed and fractures were classified according to the thoraco-lumbar trauma AO Spine classification. We analyzed pre and post-surgical visual analog scale (VAS), blood loss during surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, associated surgical procedures, long term post-op implant removal, pre and post neurological status and mortality.Patients with a complete case record, pre-op CT scans and minimum 12-month follow up were included (18 males and 8 females). Mean age was 28.7 years (21-84 years); mean post-op follow up was 28 month (13-86 months). Eighteen patients were managed with percutaneous instrumentation, 8 patients also received percutaneous vertebroplasty, and 5 patients underwent also some arthrodesis procedure. Results: VAS improved 7 points as compared to the pre-op score; mean blood loss was 40 mL, we did not observed any neurological deficit worsening. Mean hospital length of stay was 3.9 days. Four patients needed surgical procedures involving other organs due to politrauma. Percutaneous screws were removed in 9 cases after fracture consolidation. Complications were: one case of self-limiting retroperitoneal hematoma, one case of pedicle screw fracture and one cement broken cannula into the pedicle. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery in spine trauma is a valid option allowing stabilization, early mobilization, and leading to good outcomes in terms of pain control and a lower complication rate

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Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a powerful tool for themanagement of sagittal misalignment. However, this procedure has a high rate of implant failure, particularly rod breakages. The four-rod technique diminishes this complication in the lumbar spine. The aim of the present study is to provide a case report regarding PSO and fourrod technique stabilization in the treatment of short-angle hyperkyphosis in the thoracolumbar (TL) junction. The authors describe the case of a patient with TL hyperkyphosis secondary to spinal tuberculosis treated with L1 PSO and fixation with a four-rod technique. There were no major surgical complications. The self-reported quality of life questionnaires (the Short-Form Health Survey 36 [SF-36] and the Oswestry disability index) and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively, as well as 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, and they showed considerable and sustained improvements in pain control and quality of life. No hardware failure was observed at the two-year follow-up.

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BACKGROUND: Titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have been used in spinal surgery with low rejection rates. Compared to titanium, PEEK has many advantages, including a density more similar to that of bone, radiolucency, and a lack of artifacts in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of PEEK cages as an alternative to titanium for bone fusion after fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. We also propose a classification to the impaction index. METHODS: We evaluated 77 patients with fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine who were treated by anterior fixation with titanium cages (TeCorp®) in 46 (59.7%) patients or PEEK (Verte-stak®) in 31 (40.3%) patients from 2006 to 2012 (Neurological Hospital of Lyon). RESULTS: The titanium group achieved 100% fusion, and the PEEK group achieved 96.3% fusion. The titanium systems correlated with higher impact stress directed toward the lower and upper plateaus of the fused vertebrae; there were no nonunions for those treated with titanium group. Nevertheless, there was only one in the PEEK group. There was no significant difference in the pain scale outcomes for patients with ±10 degrees of the sagittal angle. Statistically, it is not possible to associate the variation of sagittal alignment or the impaction with symptoms of pain. The complication rate related to the implantation of cages was low. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium and PEEK are thus equally effective options for the reconstruction of the anterior column. PEEK is advantageous because its radiolucency facilitates the visualization of bone bridges.

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BACKGROUND: Arachnoid cysts of spine are a very rare occurrence. The aetiology still remains unclear, but the most accepted explanation is the existence of areas of weakness in the spinal dura. Symptoms depend on the location in the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging is used for its diagnosis. Management depends of clinical presentation, and the surgery is reserved for patients with neurological impairment. CLINICAL CASE: A case is described of 67 year-old male with myelopathy and radiculopathy symptoms, both diagnosed simultaneously. The magnetic resonance imaging was used to diagnose a thoracolumbar extradural arachnoid cyst from T12-L2 and lumbar spinal canal stenosis. The patient was treated with a puncture procedure to empty the cyst and decompress the neural elements. There was a clinical improvement of myelopathy syndrome after puncture procedure. One month later, the patient underwent a minimally invasive surgical approach to decompress the neural elements in lumbar spine, achieving improvement of the radiculopathy syndrome and neurogenic claudication in both legs. CONCLUSION: There is currently no standard minimally invasive approach to surgically treat these cysts, but if the patient has mild symptoms, clinical observation is recommended.

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Introducción: las fracturas vertebrales constituyen un grave problema de salud, la zona toracolumbar constituye la localización más frecuente. El tratamiento quirúrgico, en fracturas por estallamiento, parece el de mejores resultados pero presenta la disyuntiva de si a todos los pacientes se les debe realizar fusión. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados obtenidos a los dos años con el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas por estallamiento de columna toracolumbar, en los servicios de Ortopedia y Neurocirugía del Hospital Calixto García entre enero de 2011 y julio de 2013. Método: estudio descriptivo prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de fracturas toracolumbares por estallamiento tratados quirúrgicamente, asociando en algunos a la fijación, la fusión. Las variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, mecanismo causal, localización, tipo de fractura, deformidad cifótica y altura del cuerpo vertebral. El índice de Oswestry y la Escala Visual Analógica del dolor, medidos antes y dos años después de la intervención, fueron los instrumentos evaluadores empleados. Resultados: serie constituida por 28 pacientes, predominaron el sexo masculino, y el accidente automovilístico como mecanismo causal; la localización más frecuente fue en el segmento T11-L2 para las fracturas tipo A3 y A4 según AO; las variaciones de deformidad cifótica y altura del cuerpo vertebral fueron muy semejantes a los dos años entre pacientes con fusión y sin ella. El índice de Oswestry y la Escala Visual Analógica del dolor mostraron significativa mejoría. Conclusiones: los resultados radiográficos y funcionales fueron similares en pacientes con fusión y sin ella. La fusión posterior no necesita ser un procedimiento de rutina en fracturas por estallamiento de columna toracolumbar(AU)

Introduction: vertebral fractures are serious health problem; the thoracolumbar zone is the most frequent location. Surgical treatment in explant fractures seems to be the one with the best results but presents the dilemma of whether all patients should be fusion. Objective: show the results obtained at two years with the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures in Orthopedics and Neurosurgery services at Calixto García Hospital from January 2011 to July 2013. Method: prospective descriptive study was carried out in patients with diagnosis of surgically treated thoracolumbar fractures, associated to fixation, fusion. The variables studied were age, sex, causal mechanism, location, type of fracture, kyphotic deformity and vertebral body height. The Oswestry Index and Visual Analog Pain Scale, measured before and two years after the intervention, were the evaluation instruments used. Results: twenty-eight patients formed this series, the male sex predominated, and automobile accident was a causal mechanism. The most frequent location was segment T 11- L 2 for fractures type A 3 and A 4 according to AO. The variations of kyphotic deformity and height of the vertebral body were very similar after two years in patients with and without fusion. Oswestry Index and Visual Analog Pain Scale showed significant improvement. Conclusions: radiographic and functional results were similar in patients with and without fusion. Post fusion does not need to be a routine procedure in thoracolumbar collapse fractures (AU)

Introduction: les fractures vertébrales, étant plus fréquemment localisées dans la région thoracolombaire, constituent un sérieux problème de santé. Le traitement chirurgical des fractures-éclatement semble être le meilleur étant donnés ses résultats, mais il pose un question -est-ce que tous les patients doivent subir une fusion? Objectif: l'objectif de cette étude est de montrer les résultats obtenus deux ans après le traitement chirurgical des fractures-éclatement thoracolombaires aux services d'orthopédie et de neurochirurgie, à l'hôpital "Calixto García" entre janvier 2011 et juillet 2013. Méthode: une étude descriptive et prospective des patients diagnostiqués et traités chirurgicalement pour des fractures-éclatement thoracolombaires, associant la fixation et la fusion dans certains cas, a été effectuée. Des variables telles que l'âge, le sexe, les causes, la localisation, le type de fracture, la déformation cyphotique, et la taille du corps vertébral ont été aussi étudiées. L'indice d'Oswestry et l'échelle visuelle analogique de la douleur ont été les outils d'évaluation utilisés auparavant et deux ans après l'opération. Résultats: dans une série de 28 patients, ce sont les hommes le plus souvent touchés, tandis que l'accident de voiture a été la cause la plus fréquemment trouvée ; les fractures type A3 et A4, selon AO, se sont souvent localisées au niveau du segment T11-L2 ; les variations de la déformation cyphotique et la taille du corps vertébral ont été très similaires au bout de deux ans chez les patients ayant subi ou pas une fusion. L'indice d'Oswestry et l'échelle visuelle analogique de la douleur ont montré une amélioration significative. Conclusions: les résultats radiologiques et fonctionnels ont été similaires chez les patients ayant subi ou pas une fusion. La fusion postérieure n'est pas nécessairement un procédé habituel dans les fractures-éclatement du rachis thoracolombaire (AU)

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UNLABELLED: The most common fractures in the spine take place in the thoracolumbar region. Currently there is no consensus regarding optimum treatment. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the current medical literature available regarding treatment of compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. METHODS: Research of current literature in medical databases. RESULTS: Regarding current available literature, we found no consensus in the treatment of compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS: Burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction is a very common condition, treatment of each patient must be individualized. Conservative treatment is recommended for stable fractures without neurological compromise and less than 35° of kyphosis.

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Study Design Systematic literature review. Objective The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score System (TLICS) is widely used to help guide the treatment of thoracolumbar spine trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of the TLICS in clinical practice. Methods Using the Medline database without time restriction, we performed a systematic review using the keyword "Thoracolumbar Injury Classification," searching for articles utilizing the TLICS. We classified the results according to their level of evidence and main conclusions. Results Nine articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. One article evaluated the safety of the TLICS based on its clinical application (level II). The eight remaining articles were based on retrospective application of the score, comparing the proposed treatment suggested by the TLICS with the treatment patients actually received (level III). The TLICS was safe in surgical and nonsurgical treatment with regards to neurologic status. Some studies reported that the retrospective application of the TLICS had inconsistencies with the treatment of burst fractures without neurologic deficits. Conclusions This literature review suggested that the TLICS use was safe especially with regards to preservation or improvement of neurologic function. Further well-designed multicenter prospective studies of the TLICS application in the decision making process would improve the evidence of its safety. Special attention to the TLICS application in the treatment of stable burst fractures is necessary.

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BACKGROUND: Traditionally, conservative treatment of thoracolumbar (TL) burst fractures without neurologic deficit has encompassed the application of an extension brace. However, their effectiveness on maintaining the alignment, preventing posttraumatic deformities, and improving back pain, disability and quality of life is doubtful. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to identify and summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether bracing patients who suffer TL fractures adds benefices to the conservative manage without bracing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were searched for relevant RCTs that compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of orthosis versus no-orthosis for TL burst fractures managed conservatively. Primary outcomes were: (1) Loss of kyphotic angle; (2) failure of conservative management requiring subsequent surgery; and (3) disability and pain outcomes. Secondary outcomes were defined by health-related quality of life and in-hospital stay. RESULTS: Based on predefined inclusion criteria, only two eligible high-quality RCTs with a total of 119 patients were included. No significant difference was identified between the two groups regarding loss of kyphotic angle, pain outcome, or in-hospital stay. The pooled data showed higher scores in physical and mental domains of the Short-Form Health Survey 36 in the group treated without orthosis. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The current evidence suggests that orthosis could not be necessary when TL burst fractures without neurologic deficit are treated conservatively. However, due to limitations related with number and size of the included studies, more RCTs with high quality are desirable for making recommendations with more certainty.

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La unión toracolumbar es el área más frecuentemente afectada por el trauma cerrado de columna vertebral. Anatómicamente es una zona transicional entre la columna torácica rígida y la lumbar móvil. Se presentan con mayor frecuencia en fracturas por acuñamiento o por estallido, con o sin déficit neurológico. El tratamiento se realiza por abordaje anterolateral en pacientes con acuñamientos inveterados, cifosis postraumática y estallidos con déficit parcial que ameriten descompresión. Se describe una técnica efectuada por ortopedistas-cirujanos de columna, realizada con incisión mínima mediante abordaje extrapleural, subdiafragmático, retroperitoneal, evitando la toracostomia, practicada en disección cadavérica y reporte preliminar de su aplicación en pacientes con trauma toracolumbar. Se practicó disección cadavérica de la técnica cuya incisión es de 10cm, inicia en el borde externo de los paravertebrales siguiendo la dirección de las costillas falsas. Para fracturas de T12 se expone T11 a L1, se resecan las costillas onceava y doceava, continuando con disección extrapleural subdiafragmática retroperitoneal. Para fracturas de L1 que requiere exposición vertebral T12 a L2, se resecan la costilla doceava y se continúa la disección descrita anteriormente. Para fracturas de L2 que requiere exposición vertebral de L1 a L3, no se realiza resección costal y se efectúa una disección retroperitoneal. Por el mismo abordaje se efectúa descompresión medular, reconstrucción con injertos óseos costales o de cresta ilíaca, interposición de cestas de titanio y fijación interna según el caso. Se realiza además un estudio descriptivo tipo serie de casos con pacientes intervenidos con este abordaje. Se expone la experiencia en disección cadavérica y reparos, posibles complicaciones La experiencia clínica comprende 21 pacientes intervenidos con fracturas por acuñamiento, cifosis postraumática, estallido con déficit neurológico parcial. La fijación interna la efectuamos mediante un sistema de barras y tornillos vertebrales realizando reducción de la fractura y deformidad asociada.

Thoracolumbar junction is the area more frequently affected by spine closed trauma. Anatomically, it is a transitional zone between the rigid thoracic spine and the mobile lumbar spine. Usually, wedge or burst fractures occur, with or without neurological deficit. It can be treated through anterolateral approach in patients with inveterated wedges, post-traumatic kyphosis and bursts with partial deficit justifying decompression. A technique performed by spine orthopedic surgeons is described, carried out with minimal incision through extrapleural, subdiaphragmatic, retroperitoneal approach, avoiding thoracostomy, practiced in cadaveric dissection and preliminary report of its application in thoracolumbar trauma patients. Cadaveric dissection was performed with the technique whose incision is 10 cm, starting in the external edge of paravertebral muscles, following the direction of the false ribs. For T12 fractures, T11 to L1 are exposed, eleventh and twelfth ribs are removed, continuing with extrapleural subdiaphragmatic retroperitoneal dissection. For L1 fractures requiring T12 to L2 vertebral exposition, twelfth rib is removed and the above described dissection is continued. For L2 fractures requiring L1 to L3 vertebral exposition no costal resection is done but a retroperitoneal dissection. Through the same approach, spinal decompression, reconstruction with costal bone or iliac crest grafts, interposition of titanium cages and internal fixation as appropriate are perfomed. Additionally, a case-series-type descriptive study is done with patients undergoing this approach. The experience with cadaveric dissection, repairs, and feasible complications is showed. The clinical experience includes 21 intervened patients with wedge fractures, post-traumatic kyphosis, and burst with partial neurological deficit. Internal fixation is done through a system using vertebral bars and screws performing reduction of fracture and associated deformity.

A união toracolombar é a área mais frequentemente afetada pelo trauma fechado de coluna vertebral. Anatomicamente é uma zona transicional entre a coluna torácica rígida e a lombar móvel. Apresentam-se com maior frequência em fraturas em forma de cunha ou por estalo, com ou sem déficit neurológico. O tratamento se realiza por abordagem anterolateral em pacientes com acunhamentos inveterados, cifose pós-traumática e estalos com déficit parcial que precisem descompressão. Descreve-se uma técnica efetuada por ortopedistas cirurgiões de coluna, realizada com incisão mínima mediante abordagem extrapleural, subdiafragmática, retroperitoneal, evitando a toracotomia, praticada em dissecação cadavérica e reporte preliminar da sua aplicação em pacientes com trauma toracolombar. Se praticou dissecação cadavérica da técnica cuja incisão é de 10 cm, inicia na borda externa dos para-vertebrais seguindo a direção das costelas falsas. Para fraturas de T12 se expõe T11 a L1, se ressecam as costelas décima primeira e décima segunda, continuando com dissecação extrapleural subdiafragmática retroperitoneal. Para fraturas de L1 que requeiram exposição vertebral T12 a L2, se resseca a costela décima primeira e se continua a dissecação descrita anteriormente. Para fraturas de L2 que requerem exposição vertebral de L1 a L3, não se realiza resseção costal e se efetua uma dissecação retroperitoneal. Pela mesma abordagem se efetua descompressão medular, reconstrução com enxertos ósseos costais ou de cresta ilíaca, interposição de cestas de titânio e fixação interna segundo o caso. Realiza-se ademais um estudo descritivo tipo série de casos com pacientes intervindos com esta abordagem. Expõe-se a experiência em dissecação cadavérica e reparos, possíveis complicações A experiência clínica compreende 21 pacientes intervindos com fraturas por acunhamento, cifose pós-traumática, estalo com déficit neurológico parcial. A fixação interna efetuamos-a mediante um sistema de barras e parafusos vertebrais realizando redução da fratura e deformidade associada.

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INTRODUCTION: Thoracolumbar spine trauma is the most common site of spinal cord injury, with clinical and epidemiological importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review on the management and treatment of TLST. RESULTS: Currently, computed tomography is frequently used as the primary diagnostic test in TLST, with magnetic resonance imaging used in addition to assess disc, ligamentous, and neurological injury. The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System is a new injury severity score created to help the decision-making process between conservative versus surgical treatment. When decision for surgery is made, early procedures are feasible, safe, can improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. Surgical treatment is individualized based on the injury characteristics and surgeon's experience, as there is no evidence-based for the superiority of one technique over the other. CONCLUSIONS: The correct management of TLST involves multiple steps, such as a precise diagnosis, classification, and treatment. The TLICS can improve care and communication between spine surgeons, resulting in a more standardized treatment.

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OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados da cirurgia de corpectomia e artrodese por via anterior nos pacientes com fratura tipo explosão da coluna toracolombar e com osteoporose, que foram submetidos a tratamento conservador prévio por no mínimo sete meses, sem melhora importante do quadro doloroso. MÉTODOS: Foram tratadas seis pacientes idosas com fratura-explosão da coluna toracolombar em um único nível, depois de, no mínimo, sete meses do trauma, pela via anterior, com corpectomia, uso de enxerto autólogo de costela e fixação com parafusos pediculares nos níveis adjacentes. A dor foi avaliada pela EVA no pré-operatório, três semanas, três meses, seis meses e um anos após a cirurgia. RESULTADO: As pacientes apresentaram melhora significativa da dor pós-operatória, com diminuição substancial do uso de medicação analgésica. CONCLUSÕES: Os autores recomendam a via anterior isolada como método de tratamento para fraturas tipo explosão crônicas em pacientes com osteoporose pela baixa taxa de complicações e pelos resultados satisfatórios encontrados.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the outcomes of anterior instrumentation for corpectomy and arthrodesis on patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures caused by osteoporosis, who underwent conservative treatment for at least seven months, without pain improvement. METHODS: Six elderly female patients were treated by anterior instrumentation for burst thoracolumbar fractures at a single level after, at least seven months from trauma, with corpectomy, using rib autograft and fixation with pedicular screws in adjacent levels. Pain was evaluated preoperatively by VAS and three weeks, three months, six months and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The patients present significant post-operative pain improvement, with great reduction in the use of analgesics. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest single anterior instrumentation as a treatment method for chronic burst fracture on patients with osteoporosis due to the low rate of complications and satisfactory outcomes.

OBJECTIVO: Analizar los resultados de la cirugía de corpectomía y artrodesis por la vía anterior, en pacientes con fracturas tipo explosión de la columna toracolumbar y, con osteoporosis, que habían sido sometidos a tratamiento conservador previo por lo menos durante siete meses, sin mejora importante del cuadro de dolor. MÉTODOS: fueron tratadas seis pacientes ancianas del sexo femenino con la fractura-explosión de la columna toracolumbar en solamente un nivel, después de, como mínimo, siete meses del traumatismo, a través de la vía anterior, con corpectomía, utilización del injerto autólogo de costilla y fijación con tornillos pediculares en los niveles adyacentes. El dolor fue evaluado con EVA en pre-operatorio, tres semanas, tres meses, seis meses y un año después de la cirugía. RESULTADO: Las pacientes presentaron mejoría significativa del dolor postoperatorio, con la reducción substancial del uso de la medicación analgésica. CONCLUSIÓN: Los autores recomiendan la vía anterior aislada, como método de tratamiento para las fracturas tipo explosión crónicas en pacientes con osteoporosis, por la baja tasa de complicaciones y por los resultados satisfactorios encontrados.

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Objetivo: revisar nuestra experiencia en dos centros de la provincia de Buenos Aires, en el manejo de 72 casos con lesiones vertebrales y/o vertebromedulares de diferentes etiologías y topografías, utilizando abordajes anteriores y anterolaterales al raquis dorsolumbar. Material y método: analizamos retrospectivamente las indicaciones, técnica quirúrgica, resultados y complicaciones en 72 pacientes que requirieron un abordaje torácico o toracolumbar, en el período que va de enero de 1996 a junio de 2009. La vía de abordaje fue determinada de acuerdo al nivel afectado y a la extensión de la lesión. Las lesiones entre T2 y T10 se abordaron mediante estereotomía o toracotomía derecha; con lesiones T11 a L1, preferimos una toracotomía con o sin manipulación del diafragma desde la izquierda. Para las lesiones L2- L3, se utilizó una lumbotomía izquierda. En la inmensa mayoría de los casos, la artrodesis se acompañó de una osteosíntesis segmentaria con distintos sistemas de fijación (placa atornillada, barras y placas atornilladas). En todas las intervenciones, contamos con la asistencia de un equipo de cirugía general, cardiovascular o urológica, tanto en peri como postoperatorio. Resultados: la mayoría de las lesiones (50,6% del total), se ubicaron en los segmentos T10 a L2. Catorce casos correspondieron a lesiones exclusivamente lumbares, en un paciente se requirió del equipo de cirugía cardiovascular (estereotomía para el abordaje T2-T3). La etiología más frecuente fue traumática, seguida por los tumores primitivos o secundarios, en tercer lugar se ubicaron las patologías degenerativas y en último término, las infecciones (5 casos). Un porcentaje similar de pacientes se presentó con y sin déficit neurológico asociado. Veintiún enfermos (casi 1 de cada 3 operados) requirieron de una doble vía de abordaje, en general diferida a la primera cirugía...

Objective To analyse retrospectively our experience in two surgical centers in Buenos Aires, managing 72 cases of spinal lesions of different ethiologies, using anterior surgical approaches to the thoracolumbar spine. Material and method. Indications, surgical techniques and results, as well as complications in 72 cases requiring a thorcolumbar anterior approach performed between 1996 and 2009 were analised. Surgical route was chosen according to the level and extension of the injuries. Those between T4 and T10 were approached using a right thoracotomy: for lesions between T11 and L1, we used a left thoracotomy, with or without diaphragmatic section. For levels L2 L3, a left lumbotomy was performed. In most cases, arthtodesis was followed by segemental stabilisation with different devices. In all cases, we were assisted intra and postoperatively by a surgical team (general surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons and urologic surgeons). Results. Almost 50% of the cases were located between T10 and L2. 14 cases were exclusively lumbar lesions: in one case, the cardiovascular surgical team was required (sternotomy to expose T2T3). Trauma was the most common ethiological agent, followed by tumors: degenerative and infectious causes were uncommon. 21 patients required a combined anterior and posterior approach. Morbidity related to surgery was of 14% in our series, superficial infections being the most frequent finding (6 cases). Mortality related to surgery reached 1.33% (1 case). Conclusions. In our experience (72 cases operated on during the last 13 years), and with an adequate patient selection, the anterior approach resulted safe and effective, with an acceptable morbidity grossly equal to that described in the literature.

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