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Direct lateral approach to pathology at the craniocervical junction: a technical note
Kalil G Abdullah1, Richard S Schlenk, Ajit Krishnaney
1Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Neurosurgery
|November 11, 2011
Summary
A direct lateral approach offers an alternative for foramen magnum and upper cervical spine surgery. This technique is suitable for ventral decompression when other methods are not ideal.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Traditional surgical approaches to the foramen magnum and upper cervical spine include posterior midline, far lateral, and endoscopic endonasal techniques.
- The far lateral approach is effective for ventrolateral pathology but can be overly extensive for lesions distant from the midline.
Observation:
- This study introduces a direct lateral approach as an alternative surgical technique.
- The approach is positioned directly over ventral or lateral pathology.
Findings:
- Two cases successfully utilized the direct lateral approach followed by occipitocervical fusion.
- The technique demonstrated efficacy in managing complex spinal pathologies.
Implications:
- This direct lateral approach provides a viable alternative for ventral decompression, especially when endoscopic endonasal approaches are contraindicated.
- It is indicated for ventral, lateral, and ventrolateral resection of tumors, pannus, or infections in the craniocervical junction.
