The authors describe a technique for extensive anterior approach to the thoracolumbar spine (T10 -L5), to which 100 patients with surgical indication for correcting orthopedic anomalies were submitted. The anatomical structures involved in surgical procedures are analyzed and discussed. Results have shown that this extensive anterior approach to the thoracolumbar spine a) allows the aimed approach in 100% for the cases, making easier the arthopedic management necessary to the correction of the spine deformity to be treated; b) makes possible to avoid transoperative complications from the knowledge of anatomical structures exposed in the surgical field, except for the sympathetic trunk, in which lesion can occur in 70% of cases; and c) presents a low rate (2%) of post operative complications. It is suggested that this technique for extensive anterior approach to the thoracolumbar spine should be used, independently of the extension of the clinically diagnosed affected area.
Anterior thoracolumbar spine; Surgical approach; Operative technique; Description vascular surgery