Understanding Thoracic Spine Procedures: Corpectomy, Spinal Fusion, and Laminectomy

Hemivertebrae, most commonly found in the midthoracic region, particularly at T8, are a type of vertebral defect known for causing neurological issues. These defects come in four distinct forms: incarcerated, nonincarcerated, segmented, and unsegmented.

A thoracic corpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes damaged vertebrae and intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine. It is primarily used for patients with conditions such as trauma, tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases in the thoracic spine.

Thoracic spinal fusion, involving the placement of screws and rods to stabilize the spine, is necessary in cases of spinal instability due to injury, deformities, or chronic pain. This surgery often includes removing part or all of the lamina bone.

Treatment for herniated spinal cords involves microsurgical correction and repair of the dura’s abnormal opening. Ventral spinal cord herniation is a condition that requires thorough understanding for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Instrumented spinal fusion, a procedure using rods, plates, and screws, is performed on both adult and pediatric patients. This is particularly the case when the spine has been weakened due to degenerative conditions, deformity, trauma, tumors, or previous surgeries.

The vertebral column, or spinal column, consists of 33 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs, which are the disk-shaped cushions between the bones of the spine.

A common procedure, thoracic laminectomy, provides neurosurgeons access to the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. In the thoracic spine, this procedure is known as thoracic laminectomy.

Scoliosis, characterized by a spinal curve exceeding 10 degrees, is often more pronounced in adults seeking treatment, typically exceeding 30 degrees. Diagnosis includes a physical exam and imaging to check for signs of spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows or compresses.

For more detailed information on these spinal conditions and procedures, explore the resources provided by ASU Embryo Project, University of Michigan Neurosurgery, and Hospital for Special Surgery.