Thoracic myelopathy, a less common spinal disorder compared to its cervical counterpart, involves the compression of the spinal cord in the mid-back (thoracic) area. This condition is typically characterized by mid-back pain that radiates like a band across the chest, numbness below the midsection, leg weakness, and difficulty walking. The onset often presents as gait instability, resembling an inebriated walk, particularly in obese males around the age of 40. Common causes include ossified ligaments, disc herniations, tumors, infections, post-tubercular kyphosis, and trauma.
Non-Surgical Treatment:
At Aster Whitefield Hospital, the initial approach to managing thoracic myelopathy involves non-surgical treatments tailored to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These options focus on pain management, physical therapy to strengthen back muscles, and lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the thoracic spine.
Surgical Interventions:
For more severe cases, surgical interventions are necessary. Procedures such as excision of the Ossified Yellow Ligament (OYL) under Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM), laminectomy, laminoplasty, or pedicle screw fixation are performed through a posterior approach. These surgeries aim to relieve compression of the spinal cord, enhancing neurological function and stability.
Personalized Care at Aster Whitefield:
Our dedicated team at Aster Whitefield excels in both non-surgical and surgical management of thoracic myelopathy, utilizing extensive experience to provide exceptional outcomes. Advanced nerve monitoring technologies ensure the highest safety standards during surgeries, with neurophysiologists and anesthesiologists monitoring neural signals to prevent complications. At Aster Whitefield, patient-specific treatments and a commitment to safety redefine the management of complex thoracic myelopathy, ensuring each patient receives personalized, high-quality care.
