Charlie Bouthors1, Ahmed Benzakour2, Charles Court2. 1. Orthopedic and Traumatology Surgery Department (Pr Ch Court), Bicetre University Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Sud University ORSAY, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94275, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France. charlie.bouthors@hotmail.fr. 2. Orthopedic and Traumatology Surgery Department (Pr Ch Court), Bicetre University Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Sud University ORSAY, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94275, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is technically demanding due to its proximity to the spinal cord. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Symptomatic TDH is a rare condition predominantly localized between T8 and L1. Surgical indications include intractable back or radicular pain, neurological deficits, and myelopathy signs. Giant calcified TDH (> 40% spinal canal occupation) are frequently associated with myelopathy, intradural extension, and post-operative complications. Careful pre-operative planning helps reduce the risk of complications. Pre-operative CT and MRI identify the hernia's location and size, calcifications, and intradural extension. The approach must provide adequate dural sac visualization with minimal manipulation of the cord. Non-anterior approaches are favoured if they provide at least equal exposure than anterior approach owing to higher risk of pulmonary morbidity associated with anterior approach. A transthoracic approach is recommended for central calcified herniated discs. A posterolateral approach is often suitable for non-calcified lateralized TDH. Thoracoscopic approaches are less invasive but have a substantial learning curve. Retropleural mini-thoracotomy is an acceptable alternative. Pre-operative identification of the pathological level is confirmed by intra-operative level check. Intra-operative cord monitoring is preferable but warrant further studies. Magnification and adequate lightening of the surgical field are paramount (microscope, thoracoscopy). Intra-operative CT scan with navigation is becoming increasingly popular since it provides real-time control on the decompression. Indications of fusion consist of pre-operative back pain, Scheuermann's disease, multilevel resection, wide vertebral body resection (> 50%), and herniation at thoracolumbar junction. Neurological deterioration, dural tear, and subarachnoid-pleural fistula are the most severe complications. CONCLUSION: Further improvements are still warranted in thoracic spine surgery despite the advent of minimally invasive techniques. Intra-operative CT scan will probably enhance the safety of the TDH surgery.
BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is technically demanding due to its proximity to the spinal cord. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Symptomatic TDH is a rare condition predominantly localized between T8 and L1. Surgical indications include intractable back or radicular pain, neurological deficits, and myelopathy signs. Giant calcified TDH (> 40% spinal canal occupation) are frequently associated with myelopathy, intradural extension, and post-operative complications. Careful pre-operative planning helps reduce the risk of complications. Pre-operative CT and MRI identify the hernia's location and size, calcifications, and intradural extension. The approach must provide adequate dural sac visualization with minimal manipulation of the cord. Non-anterior approaches are favoured if they provide at least equal exposure than anterior approach owing to higher risk of pulmonary morbidity associated with anterior approach. A transthoracic approach is recommended for central calcified herniated discs. A posterolateral approach is often suitable for non-calcified lateralized TDH. Thoracoscopic approaches are less invasive but have a substantial learning curve. Retropleural mini-thoracotomy is an acceptable alternative. Pre-operative identification of the pathological level is confirmed by intra-operative level check. Intra-operative cord monitoring is preferable but warrant further studies. Magnification and adequate lightening of the surgical field are paramount (microscope, thoracoscopy). Intra-operative CT scan with navigation is becoming increasingly popular since it provides real-time control on the decompression. Indications of fusion consist of pre-operative back pain, Scheuermann's disease, multilevel resection, wide vertebral body resection (> 50%), and herniation at thoracolumbar junction. Neurological deterioration, dural tear, and subarachnoid-pleural fistula are the most severe complications. CONCLUSION: Further improvements are still warranted in thoracic spine surgery despite the advent of minimally invasive techniques. Intra-operative CT scan will probably enhance the safety of the TDH surgery.