ABSTRACT

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become an alternative treatment option for various spinal disorders in recent years. A thoracoscopic approach minimizes chest wall morbidity that is more commonly seen in traditional thoracotomy. Existing indications for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are the same as those of any traditional open anterior spinal surgery. Since, posterior surgery has advanced significantly over the past 20 years with the routine use of thoracic pedicle screws, posterior releases and apical rotation maneuvers, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has lost its popularity and is therefore rarely used today. The purpose of this article is to review video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery options in spinal deformity correction.