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Developed in Germany, anterior spinal fusion is an alternative to the traditional posterior fusion. In some cases, anterior spinal surgery provides greater curve correction and allows the surgeon to perform a smaller fusion. Additionally, it is possible to avoid fusion of the lower lumbar spine. The incision for anterior surgery generally follows the direction of the lower thoracic ribs heading towards the umbilicus. Curves that exceed 70 degrees often require both anterior and posterior correction.
The following case study shows a young man who had a spinal cord tumor removed posteriorly. His curve pattern was thoracolumbar. Anterior surgery was very well suited to his problem for two reasons: first, the anterior incision avoids revisiting the previously operated posterior spine, allowing the spinal nerve to remain undisturbed; second, anterior surgery avoided fusion below L2, thus preserving lumbar mobility. |
