European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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To help guide treatment strategies and create insight into functional outcomes in patients with Giant herniated thoracic discs (GHTD), which are defined as occupying more than 40% of spinal canal. ⋯ Surgery for giant herniated thoracic disc has favorable outcome in majority (91%) of patients. However, significant approach-related complications are to be anticipated in patients undergoing thoracotomies, most of them being manageable. Author recommends costotransversectomy, only in paracentral discs with smaller percentage canal stenosis.
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Abstract