Fractures of the upper thoracic spine: approaches and surgical management.

Management of upper thoracic spinal fractures continues to be a challenging task for spinal surgeons. Appropriate treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of the fracture, the need for neural decompression, and the need for spinal stabilization. A number of surgical approaches have been developed to address these lesions. Each approach carries its own inherent advantages and disadvantages and an understanding of each is required to optimize the treatment of any individual patient. As our surgical experience and expertise continues to grow in the field of minimally invasive surgery, these techniques and novel approaches will provide alternatives for our patients that will maintain the current quality of care but minimize surgical trauma and improve recovery times.