Minimally invasive lateral approach to the thoracolumbar junction for corpectomy

Diseases that affect the thoracolumbar junction present a unique challenge to the spine surgeon. Various techniques have been described to treat this clinical entity from the anterior, lateral, or posterior direction. These can be associated with significant morbidity due to extensive tissue dissection, blood loss, and postoperative pain leading to a lengthy recovery. The use of a tubular retractor allows the surgeon to minimize tissue dissection and potentially reduce approach-related morbidity while obviating the need for an approach surgeon for exposure. The surgical technique of a minimally invasive lateral approach to the thoracolumbar junction for corpectomy is described in detail and two illustrative patients are presented.