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Anterior Thoracic Spinal Implants

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Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology

Abstract

Anterior approach to thoracic spine has many advantages. It can provide direct access to anterior pathology, which is not possible by posterior approach alone. Anterior approach was initially used for surgery on TB spine. With the advent of newer techniques, advanced instruments and implants-trauma, tumour, degenerative condition and deformity are also being managed through anterior surgery. Spine surgeons often need assistance of an access surgeon for anterior thoracic exposures. They should have knowledge of relevant anatomy of thoracic spine, thoracic cage, and its neuro-vascular structures. Special implants have made anterior thoracic spinal surgery an interesting job. Both plate-based system and rod-based system have their inherent advantages and disadvantages. With different anterior approaches of thoracic spine along with minimal invasive techniques, anterior thoracic spinal surgery touches its new horizon. Though many difficult spinal surgeries like corpectomy, etc. can now be done through posterior approach, anterior approach and anterior thoracic spine implants still have their own role.

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Mukhopadhyay, K.K., Nath, C. (2023). Anterior Thoracic Spinal Implants. In: Banerjee, A., Biberthaler, P., Shanmugasundaram, S. (eds) Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7540-0_109

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7540-0_109

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-19-7539-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-19-7540-0

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