Aneurysmal bone cyst of the upper thoracic spine. An operative approach through a manubrial sternotomy

Surgical access to T-1 and T-2 vertebral bodies through standard cervical approaches may be difficult and extensive in patients with short necks or high sterna. Adequate exposure of this area can be achieved in children, using a partial manubrial sternotomy and retraction of the manubrial halves. This procedure was successfully performed in a 14-year-old girl whose T-1 vertebra had been completely replaced by a large aneurysmal bone cyst that had produced major paraparesis. A two-stage anteroposterior excision and spinal fusion resulted in complete restoration of neurologic function, eradication of the cyst, and stabilization of the cervicothoracic spine. The limited manubrial split approach to lesions in the T-1 and T-2 vertebrae is recommended.