Posterior transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic disc herniation in a case series of 12 patients

Calcified thoracic disc herniations present a rare and challenging entity. Due to the close proximity to the spinal cord and relative narrowing of the spinal canal, the optimal approach remains a matter of debate. While the transthoracic approach is usually preferred, we adapted a new technique described in 2012: the transdural posterior approach. Our aim was to evaluate its benefits in patients with giant thoracic disc protrusions. We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated in our neurosurgical department from July 2012 to March 2020. Demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical status, and operative technique and complications were extracted and analyzed. In total, 12 patients underwent a posterior transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic hard discs between 2012 and 2020. All patients underwent a posterior decompression (laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, or laminoplasty). The median duration of surgery was 152 min. Transient postoperative neurological deterioration occurred in 4 patients, with complete recovery until time of discharge. No patient underwent a surgical revision. The transdural resection of giant calcified thoracic hard discs through a posterior approach provides an excellent decompression with sufficient visualization of the spinal cord and a satisfying postoperative outcome. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10143-020-01413-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.