Surgical treatment of the spine at the cervicothoracic junction: an illustrated review of a modified sternotomy approach with the description of tricks and pitfalls.

The surgical treatment of burst fracture, tumour or spondylitis remains a challenge with regard to the surgical approach to the anterior aspect of the cervicothoracic junction. Many vital structures including osseus, articular, vascular and nervous ones hinder the exposure. Fortunately, indications for surgery in this region are rare. However, when it becomes necessary for the surgeon to expose this region, it is useful to be prepared to approach it carefully. In this investigation the anatomy and exposure of the cervicothoracic junction by means of a sternotomy are described. An illustrated review of the sternotomy approach to the cervicothoracic junction with a description of 'tricks and pitfalls' is provided.