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Muscle Sparing C1-C2 Laminoplasty: Cadaveric Feasibility Study.
Mansour Mathkour1, Joe Iwanaga2, Marios Loukas3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Neurosurgery Section, Surgery Department, Jazan University School of Medicine, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This study introduces a novel, unilateral minimally invasive surgical approach for the atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction. This technique aims to reduce tissue damage and bleeding, potentially improving patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Posterior cervical approaches to the atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction often cause significant soft tissue dissection and bleeding.
- Existing minimally invasive techniques have limitations, and unilateral approaches have not been previously described.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, unilateral, muscle-sparing minimally invasive surgical approach for the atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction.
Main Methods:
- A right-sided, muscle-sparing, minimally invasive C1-C2 laminotomy with laminoplasty was performed on fresh cadavers.
- The approach focused on unilateral soft tissue dissection and muscle splitting for access.
Main Results:
- The technique provided wide and generous exposure of the atlantoaxial space and craniovertebral junction.
- The musculoosseous unit was repositioned, allowing for C1-C2 laminoplasty without apparent damage to the vertebral artery or regional nerves.
Conclusions:
- A novel unilateral minimally invasive approach to the atlantoaxial and craniovertebral junction has been presented.
- This technique may lead to faster recovery, reduced pain and opioid use, and improved atlantoaxial stability.
