Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spinal conditions

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become an alternative treatment tool for a variety of spinal conditions in the last two decades. This endoscopic or `keyhole' approach minimizes the chest wall morbidity related to the traditional thoracotomy. The current indications for VATS are the same as in any open anterior spinal surgery. This article reviews the outcomes of VATS treatments in thoracic disc diseases, fractures, tumors and vertebral osteomyelitis. In addition, we have described our 'learning curve ' and surgical techniques using video-assisted thoracoscopic spinal releases and instrumentation in the treatment of 50 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.