Transfacet and Transpedicular Posterior Approaches to Thoracic Disc Herniations: Consecutive Case Series of 24 Patients

Abstract

Objective: Various approaches are advocated for symptomatic thoracic disc herniation (TDH). The aim of this series is to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and results of posterior transfacet or transpedicular approaches for excision of all types of extradural TDH. We report a consecutive series of patients undergoing posterior approach surgery for TDH.

Methods: Twenty-four patients (17 women, 7 men) underwent surgery at 25 disc levels. Mean age was 56.3 years (range, 23-79 years). A posterior transfacet or transpedicular approach was used. Patients presented with myelopathy (n = 21, 88%), radiculopathy (n = 8, 33%), sphincter dysfunction (n = 16, 67%), and axial back pain (n = 10, 43%). Preoperative imaging revealed 7 (30%) central, 14 (61%) calcified, and 10 (43%) large disc herniations. The mean follow-up period was 6.0 months (range, 2-36 months).

Results: Eighteen patients underwent unilateral approach surgery (5 transfacet and 13 transfacet plus transpedicular), and 7 patients required bilateral approach laminectomy for unilateral (n = 4) or bilateral (n = 3) discectomy. One patient required unplanned reoperation for resection of residual disc. Average operative time was 95 minutes (range, 40-175 minutes). Mean hospital stay was 4.9 days (range, 2-35 days). There were no major complications. Postoperative Frankel scores were maintained or improved in all patients at last review.

Conclusions: TDH including large central calcified discs can be safely removed through posterior transfacet or transpedicular approaches with reduced morbidity in comparison with more invasive anterior approaches. Careful microsurgical technique and use of specialized instruments are important for successful excision of TDH from a posterior approach.

Keywords: Discectomy; Thoracic; Transfacet; Transpedicular.