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Lateral Approach to the Thoracolumbar Junction: Open and MIS Techniques

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Handbook of Spine Technology

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Abstract

The thoracolumbar junction is a site less commonly affected by degenerative disease but disproportionately affected by unstable spinal pathologies such as fractures, infections, and neoplasms. Varying approaches for the treatment of these pathologies have been historically described, but there has been a shift toward more pathology being treated by minimally invasive approaches. While a working knowledge of the open approach and its advantages and disadvantages is important, the MIS approach is favored where feasible due to being less disruptive with reduced cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and cosmetic morbidity. The unique anatomy of the thoracolumbar junction is discussed with respect to the separation of and structures relevant to the abdominal and thoracic cavities. Evaluation of and preparation for surgery of patients with thoracolumbar junction pathologies are also discussed. With considered techniques, an expansion of the safe treatment of spinal pathologies has been made possible.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gold Coast Spine, Southport, QLD, Australia

    Mario G. T. Zotti, Laurence P. McEntee & Matthew N. Scott-Young

  2. Bond University, Varsity Lakes, QLD, Australia

    Laurence P. McEntee

  3. Ascot Hospital, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand

    John Ferguson

  4. Orthopaedic Clinics Gold Coast, Robina, QLD, Australia

    Mario G. T. Zotti

  5. Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

    Matthew N. Scott-Young

Authors
  1. Mario G. T. Zotti
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  2. Laurence P. McEntee
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  3. John Ferguson
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  4. Matthew N. Scott-Young
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew N. Scott-Young .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Drexel University, Allegheny General Hospital Campus, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Boyle C. Cheng

Section Editor information

  1. Gold Coast Spine, Southport, QLD, Australia

    Matthew N. Scott-Young

  2. Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Varsity Lakes, QLD, Australia

    Matthew N. Scott-Young

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Zotti, M.G.T., McEntee, L.P., Ferguson, J., Scott-Young, M.N. (2021). Lateral Approach to the Thoracolumbar Junction: Open and MIS Techniques. In: Cheng, B.C. (eds) Handbook of Spine Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44424-6_90

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