Thoracic degenerative conditions

The thoracic spine has several distinguishing features, including the orientation of the facet joints, articulation with the ribs, and a narrow spinal canal. These features add stability, making degenerative conditions less common than in the neighboring cervical and lumbar regions. Degenerative diseases typically impact the intervertebral discs, the osseous canal, or the ligaments within the spinal canal. These conditions manifest similarly with symptoms of pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy and require precise physical examination in conjunction with imaging techniques to elucidate the underlying etiology. The unique anatomy and biomechanical forces surrounding the thoracic spine prompted the development of many novel surgical procedures to access and manipulate the area. Once conservative management fails, surgeons have several techniques at their disposal, including dorsal, ventral, dorsolateral, and minimally invasive approaches. Factors that influence the preferred method of intervention include the specific pathology, level of degeneration, and patient characteristics.