[HSF] compression fracture of T11 and thoracotomy

[erdinç naseri]

Dear Forum, I have been asked to make the surgical exposure for the neurosurgery fellows for the following case:
61 Y/O male with severe kyphosis due to compression fracture of T10 -T11. planned for instrumentation of the spine. Have been asked to open the hemithorax for exposure .My plan is to do a posterolateral thoracotomy through 9.th ics .Upper or lower?Any need for incising diaphragm?.erdinc