[Dorsal inter- and extracorporal osteosynthesis for tumours of the thoracic vertebral bodies (author's transl)].

Various surgical alternatives for benign and malignant tumours of the thoracic vertebral bodies are compared. The objective of surgery, i.e. extirpation of the tumour and adequate stabilization of the spine by internal fixation, can be attained both by ventral intercorporeal osteosynthesis and by dorsal inter- and extracorporeal osteosynthesis. The relative merits and demerits of the two techniques are discussed. When using the dorsal approach, the surgical microscope will provide sufficient light and vision so that the tumour can be successfully resected even in the presence of extensive destruction of the vertebral bodies. The indications for, and technique of, inter- and extracorporeal osteosynthesis are reviewed on the basis of case reports.