A transsternal approach to the upper thoracic vertebrae

  • Narayan Sundaresan
  • , Jatin Shah
  • , Joseph G. Feghali

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

An anterior surgical approach to the upper thoracic vertebrae has been described. A T-shaped skin incision is used, with the horizontal limb 1 cm above the clavicle, and the vertical limb extending in the midline over the body of the sternum. A portion of the manubrium sterni, as well as the medial third of the clavicle, is resected; the avacular tissue plane between the carotid sheath laterally and the trachea and esophagus medially is developed to reach the prevertebral space. After surgery, immediate fusion is performed using the clavicle and manubrium. This procedure is well tolerated, and was associated with minimal morbidity and no mortality in a series of seven patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)473-477
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume148
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1984

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