Thoracoscopic Vertebral Body Replacement in Spinal Trauma

Stand-alone posterior stabilization for vertebral fractures with severe destruction of the bone is associated with a progressive loss of reduction. To maintain the physiological load distribution of the spine, anterior column reconstruction is a viable option. Nowadays, open approaches to the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine with severe access morbidity have been replaced by thoracoscopic techniques. This article describes a thoracoscopic technique for safe vertebral body replacement for lesions from T4 to L1. Furthermore, the controversy concerning anterior column reconstruction in spinal trauma and possible complications associated with this procedure are discussed under consideration of the current literature.