[Thoracic spinal stenosis : Etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment]

Thoracic spinal stenosis is characterized by a reduction in the volume of the thoracic spinal canal, leading to compromise of the spinal cord or nerve roots. This article provides an overview of the known etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, and treatment of thoracic spinal stenosis.

This paper is based on an overview of the literature from the past 25 years as well as the authors' own experience and results.

Thoracic spinal stenosis is a rare entity, for which the incidence is unknown. Pathoanatomically, the stenosis is caused by ligament or facet joint hypertrophy. Ventral stenosis can be caused by broad-based thoracic disc protrusion and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Depending on location, main symptoms are pain and, in advanced cases, myelopathic symptoms which spare the upper extremities. Surgical decompression with or without instrumentation is the only treatment option. We present a cohort of 9 patients operated in a time frame of 7 years using a ventral approach, 89% of whom reported a substantial reduction in pain.