10/04/2025
The lateral extracavitary approach is a powerful surgical technique that allows wide access to the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae without requiring a thoracotomy. It enables both circumferential decompression of the spinal cord and reconstruction of the vertebral column. This approach is especially valuable in patients with spinal tumors and multi-level fractures, where both anterior column support and neural element decompression are essential.
In this case, the patient came to us with severe back pain, difficulty walking, and a forward-bent posture (focal kyphosis) due to a complex thoracic fracture causing spinal cord compression. We performed a two-level corpectomy (removal of the affected vertebral bodies), removed the fractured segments, and rebuilt the spine using a cage and posterior instrumentation to restore stability.
These operations are long, complex, and technically demanding, but the impact on patients’ quality of life is profound. Cases like this demonstrate the importance of surgical versatility and tailoring the approach to the unique anatomy and pathology of each patient.