Posterior surgical treatment of traumatic and pathological upper thoracic spine lesions

Purpose
A retrospective case series of 28 patients with upper thoracic spine lesions treated by posterior circumferential decompression fusion procedure was performed.
Patients and methods
The patients were recruited from 2008 and 2011 and divided into three groups: traumatic, pyogenic, and neoplastic. Patients were examined perioperatively and followed up clinically for pain using visual analog scale; sensory and motor deficit using American Spine Injury Association grading; functionality using Oswestry disability index; radiologically using kyphosis correction, loss of correction, and fusion time; and laboratory workup in pyogenic group. Operative time, hospital stay, blood loss, and complications were documented.
Results
Mean follow-up period was 32±5.5 months. Local manifestations were relieved significantly postoperatively. Deformity correction and neurological recovery were significantly improved (<0.05). Solid interbody fusion was evident in 25 cases. Overall, three patients had superficial wound infection and three had intercostal neuralgia.
Conclusion
Posterior circumferential decompression fusion technique is a feasible and effective tool for maintained deformity correction, bony fusion, thecal decompression, and functional improvement.