Significant access morbidity with intercostal neuralgia and post-thoracotomy pain syndrome was reported in case that an anterior approach for spondylodesis of fractures of the thoracolumbar spine was used. We describe our experience with thoracoscopical fusion from anterior as a less invasive approach. Between 02/2007 and 09/2008 in a series of 32 patients (18 male; mean age 43, 17–74yrs) with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine (level Th11: n = 2, level Th12: n = 12, level L1: n = 18; fracture types: A3.1.1: n = 15, A3.2.1: n = 11, A3.3.1: n = 3, B2.1: n = 1 and B2.3: n = 2) thoracoscopical fracture stabilization was performed. A less invasive approach with three portals without an assistant was used facilitated by a new retractor system. In 16 patients fracture stabilization from anterior was supported by an additional spondylodesis using an dorsal approach. For reconstruction of the anterior column a VLIFT-system (n = 19), a Synex- (n = 11) or a Harms-Cage (n = 2) in combination with a MACS-TL (n = 16) or a Arcofix-system (n = 2) were used.Introduction
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