[Ventral osteosynthesis for the treatment of metastatic tumours of the superior thoracic spine (author's transl)].

In patients with carcinoma, resection of one or more adjacent destroyed vertebral bodies is indicated in selected cases to preserve or restore walking. Stabilization of the spine with bone cement and metal plating ensures early mobilization, which is desirable in patients with limited survival. In the upper thoracic spine the location and number of the destroyed vertebral bodies will dictate the operative approach. Anatomical studies in cadavers showed median sternotomy and high posterolateral thoracotomy to be equally unsuited as access for plating, if both the second and third thoracic vertebrae are destroyed.