Anterior Thoracic Discectomy and Fusion for Symptomatic Ventral Bone Spur Associated Type I Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Technical Report and Operative Video

Study Design Technical ReportObjective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak secondary to anterior osteophytes at the cervico-thoracic junction is a rare cause of intracranial hypotension. In this article we describe a technique for anterior repair of spontaneous ventral cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the upper thoracic spine.Methods In this technical report and operative video, we describe a 23-year-old male who presented with positional headaches and bilateral subdural hematoma. Dynamic CT myelography demonstrated a high flow ventral cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with a ventral osteophyte at the level of the T1-T2 disc space. Targeted blood patch provided only temporary improvement in symptoms. An anterior approach was chosen to remove the offending spur and micro-surgically repair the dural defect.Results The patient had complete resolution of his preoperative symptoms after primary repair.Conclusions In select cases, an anterior approach to the upper thoracic spine is effective to repair Type 1 cerebrospinal fluid leaks.