Standard fenestration approach to thoracic disc herniation.

The objective was to present the safety and efficacy of discectomy in thoracic disc herniation through posterior fenestration. This approach was used to remove six thoracic disc herniations (between T8-H12) in five patients. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Three patients with spastic paraparesis demonstrated dramatic improvement. Paraparesis improved significantly in one patient, but has recurred 8 months later. Four patients experiencing axial pain reported excellent improvement after operation. This technique appears to be safe, effective and less destructive to the vertebrae. It could be applied easily without instrumentation for stabilization.