Fundamentals in Spinal Surgery for Residents-Standard Anterior Approaches to Thoracolumbar Tumors

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses standard approaches to the thoracolumbar spine. They emphasize the importance of understanding anterior anatomy and considering anterior physiology when deciding on the appropriate approach. The speaker mentions specific approaches for each level of the spine, starting from the top of the thoracic spine down to L5. They discuss the use of ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) approach for T1, upper manubrial split or sternum split for T2-3, and standard thoracotomy for T4-T12. For L1, L1 thoracotomy or lower thoracotomy with a diaphragm split is recommended. For corpectomies at L2-3, a lateral approach is suggested, and for L4-5, a pure anterior approach is advised. The speaker also mentions the importance of considering the recurrent laryngeal nerve and warns about potential hoarseness in certain approaches. The video briefly touches on surgical techniques and considerations for each approach but emphasizes the importance of preoperative planning and understanding of anatomy.

Asset Caption

Dean Chou, MD, FAANS

Keywords

thoracolumbar spine

anterior anatomy

anterior physiology

ACDF

thoracotomy

corpectomy