Simultaneous anterior-posterior thoracolumbar spine surgery.

The purpose of this article is to report our experience with simultaneous anterior and posterior approach spine surgery. The patient is placed in the decubitus position. Two teams of spine surgeons simultaneously perform surgical approaches, decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation. No repositioning, repreparing, or redraping is necessary. Twelve patients with varying lesions underwent this procedure. This technique is presented as an alternative to the sequential single-staged anterior and posterior procedure and the two-staged procedures performed under separate anesthetics. Although no statistical significance can be concluded, we believe a larger series will demonstrate that operative time is decreased, potential risks of repositioning are avoided, and superior exposure and mobilization of spinal elements are afforded. Exposure, decompression, and stabilization posteriorly is feasible in the decubitus position.