An antero-lateral submandibular approach to segment C2-C3 of the cervical spine

This article presents the antero-lateral submandibular surgical approach and the application of cervical plates of stabilization of post-traumatic C2-C3 spondylolisthesis. Neither the posterior approach, which does not give an acceptable operating area, nor the anterior approach, which is dangerous and disfiguring for the patient, give a satisfactory outcome in such cases. Results are presented and discussed from two typical operations performed by the author with the antero-lateral submandibular approach and the application of a cervical plate. The article describes the advantages of the author's own modification of the antero-lateral approach, and the application of cervical plates for stabilizing post-traumatic spondylolisthesis at such a high level in the cervical spine, which allows for almost immediate post-surgical mobilization of the patient and effective rehabilitation.