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Transcorporeal approach for disc herniation at the C2-C3 level: a technical case report
Chan Shik Shim1, Tag-Geun Jung, Sang-Ho Lee
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul 135-100, South Korea. shimcs@wooridul.co.kr
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|August 5, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel transcorporeal approach for treating high cervical disc herniation, offering a less invasive surgical option. The technique successfully alleviated symptoms in a patient with a C2-C3 disc herniation, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- High cervical disc herniations (C2-C3) can cause severe neck pain and neurological deficits.
- Traditional surgical approaches may involve extensive dissection and carry risks of neurovascular injury.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female presented with posterior neck/shoulder pain and left hand numbness after a fall.
- Neurological exam revealed decreased motor function in the left upper extremity and positive Hoffmann sign.
- MRI confirmed a large C2-C3 disc herniation compressing the spinal cord.
Findings:
- A less invasive transcorporeal approach was utilized, involving a 5 mm drill hole through the C3 vertebral body.
- The herniated C2-C3 disc was accessed and removed.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant improvement in pain and numbness, with complete neurological recovery at 7-month follow-up.
Implications:
- The transcorporeal approach offers a straightforward and less invasive alternative for specific high cervical disc herniations.
- This technique may reduce the risk of neurovascular complications by minimizing dissection in the submandibular and retropharyngeal areas.
- It is a viable surgical option when spinal motion segment stabilization is not required.
