Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach to thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Aims: A retrospective analysis of patients with thoracolumbar junction fractures who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via a minimally invasive approach (minithoracotomy) for reconstruction of the anterior spinal column.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2014, a total of 176 patients were treated by this technique. The patients received either posterior stabilization and, at the second stage, the minimally invasive technique via an anterior approach, or the minimally invasive anterior procedure alone.

Biomechanical testing of spinal segment fixed by thoracolumbar spine locking plate on the swine lumbar spine.

Background: The aim of the experiment was to compare the mechanical properties of intact spinal segment with impaired intervertebral disc and impaired intervertebral disc fixed by TSLP (Thoracolumbar Spine Locking Plate).

Methods And Results: Spinal specimens were taken from domestic swine. A total of 8 test mechanical states (intact, impaired and fixed) were modeled and the mechanical properties, expressed by the value of moment of couple necessary to twist the specimen at tensile force F = 200 N and the value of moments necessary for extension straining, were determined.

Complete burst fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra treated by posterior surgery using expandable cage.

Study Design: This report characterises a 25 year old male patient with a complete burst fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra with dislocation. He was treated by posterior surgery with transpedicular instrumentation and an expandable cage from the posterior approach.

Objectives: Burst fractures of the fifth lumbar vertebra are extremely rare.