Multilevel L4 and L5 Corpectomy for Burst Fracture via an Anterior Transperitoneal Approach Followed by Posterior Stabilization: Technical and Anatomic Considerations

Lower lumbar spine burst fractures make up only 1% of all lumbar spine fractures. A burst fracture with neurological compromise, ligamentous injury, severe kyphotic deformity, or loss of anterior column support typically requires surgical stabilization. Treatment options at the L4 and L5 levels are challenging and often require an anterior/posterior approach. Very little has been reported on anterior approaches to the L4 and L5 levels when a corpectomy is required. Hence, we present a patient with a complex burst fracture of L4 and L5. She underwent a corpectomy of L4 and L5 and placement of an expandable cage through a window created between the aorta and the inferior vena cava via an anterior transperitoneal abdominal approach followed by posterior stabilization and fusion from L2 to the pelvis.