• Hoang Le, Raju Balabhadra, Jon Park, and Daniel Kim.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California 94305-5327, USA.
• Neurosurg Focus. 2003 Nov 15;15(5):E3.

ObjectTumors involving the cervicothoracic junction can have a high propensity for causing instability, with kyphosis and spinal cord compression resulting. Treatment with decompression only can lead to further instability and worsening neurological status. In this article, the authors review their surgical experience in the treatment of 19 patients with tumors involving the cervicothoracic junction. The various approaches and instrumentation techniques involved in decompression and stabilization of the cervicothoracic junction are also reviewed.MethodsAggressive instrumentation-augmented fusion after decompression of the cervicothoracic region can provide for immediate stabilization and early rehabilitation. Recent development of new hardware such as dual-diameter transition rods, polyaxial screws, and interlocking devices have enhanced the ability to fashion a strong construct for stabilization of the cervicothoracic junction.ConclusionsFamiliarity with complex instrumentation techniques and various surgical approaches to the cervicothoracic junction will be required for effective treatment of tumors causing instability of this region.

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