Percutaneous approach to the upper thoracic spine: optimal patient positioning

Eur Spine J. 2009 Dec;18(12):1986-8. doi: 10.1007/s00586-009-1075-9. Epub 2009 Jul 3.

Abstract

Percutaneous access to the upper thoracic vertebrae under fluoroscopic guidance is challenging. We describe our positioning technique facilitating optimal visualisation of the high thoracic vertebrae in the prone position. This allows safe practice of kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty and biopsy throughout the upper thoracic spine.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General / methods
  • Anesthesia, Local / methods
  • Biopsy / instrumentation
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / instrumentation
  • Fluoroscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Patient Positioning / instrumentation
  • Patient Positioning / methods*
  • Patient Positioning / standards
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Posture / physiology
  • Spinal Curvatures / pathology
  • Spinal Curvatures / surgery
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Vertebroplasty / instrumentation
  • Vertebroplasty / methods