Results of the transsternal approach to cervicothoracic junction lesions

Surgery for lesions involving the anterior column of the cervicothoracic junction is still challenging. The median transsternal approach provides a direct approach to this junction. The aim of this study was to present the results of cases operated using the median transsternal approach.

There were 8 cases (7 males, 1 female) aged between 18-39 (mean 28.2) years. The compression to the spinal cord was secondary to trauma in 3 cases, infection in 3 cases, and tumor in 2 cases.

Median sternotomy was performed from the right side in 6 cases, and the left side in 2 cases. 14 level corpectomies were performed in 8 cases. Reconstructions were performed using a fibula allograft in 6 cases, and an iliac autograft in 2 cases. The mean follow-up duration was 104 months. A progressive delayed kyphosis requiring posterior stabilization occurred in one case. Postoperative neurological evaluation revealed improvement in 6 cases, and no change in 2 cases.

Median sternotomy is an appropriate and safe approach for selected cases with lesions involving the anterior column of the cervicothoracic junction. The sternal-splitting approach remains the best method for equal exposure of the anterior thoracic and cervical spine from C4 to Th4 vertebrae through a single incision.