Perspective: Transthoracic, posterolateral, or transpedicular approaches to thoracic disks, not laminectomy

BACKGROUND: Anterior transthoracic, posterolateral (i.e., costotransversectomy/lateral extracavitary), and transpedicular approaches are now utilized to address anterior, anterolateral, or lateral thoracic disk herniations (TDH). Notably, laminectomy has not been a viable option for treating TDH for decades due to the much lower rate of acceptable outcomes (i.e., 57% for decompressive laminectomy vs. over 80% for the posterolateral, lateral, and transthoracic procedures), and a higher risk of neurological morbidity/paralysis. METHODS: Patients with TDH averaged 48-56.3 years of age, and presented with pain (76%), myelopathy (61%-99%), radiculopathy (30%-33%), and/or sphincter loss (16.7%-24%). Those with anterior/anterolateral TDH (30-74%) were usually myelopathic while those with more lateral disease (50-70%) exhibited radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance (MR) studies best defined soft-tissue/disk/cord pathology, CAT scan (CT)/Myelo-CT studies identified attendant discal calcification (i.e. fully calcified 38.9% -65% vs. partial calcification 27.8%), while both exams documented giant TDH filling > 30 to 40% of the canal (i.e., in 43% to 77% of cases). RESULTS: Surgical options for anterior/anterolateral TDH largely included transthoracic or posterolateral approaches (i.e. costotransversectomy, lateral extracavitary procedures) with the occasional use of transfacet/transpedicular procedures mostly applied to lateral disks. Notably, patients undergoing transthoracic, lateral extracavitary/costotransversectomy/ transpedicular approaches may additionally warrant fusions. Good/excellent outcomes were quoted in from 45.5% to 87% of different series, with early postoperative adverse events reported in from 14 to 14.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: Anterior/anterolateral TDH are largely addressed with transthoracic or posterolateral procedures (i.e. costotransversectomy/extracavitary), with a subset also utilizing transfacet/transpedicular approaches typically adopted for lateral TDH. Laminectomy is essentially no longer considered a viable option for treating TDH.