1995 Volume 4 Issue 2 Pages 92-97
This manuscript describes the surgical approaches for treating thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and thoracic soft disc hernia. Although the incidence of thoracic OPLL and soft disc hernia is extremely rare, these disorders could result in a severe myelopathy. A conventional laminectomy cannot be used due to the kiphotic angulation of the thoracic spine. Further, an anterior approach, which is often used for the cervical lesions, cannot be easily applied at the thoracic level. Because of these limitations, several alternative surgical approaches have been advocated for thoracic ventral lesions such as OPLL and soft disc hernia. The author describes three representative surgical approaches: an anterior approach with sternal splitting, a transthoracic anterolateral approach, and a posterolateral approach. Based on the author's experience, the important points, such as the strategies and complication that can arise when using these surgical approaches are described in detail.
