Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Anterior approach to remove a pre-medullary meningioma in the cervical spine: Technical case report
T Broussolle1, M Afathi1, S Portet1
1Department of Spine Surgery, P. Hospices Civils de Lyon, Wertheimer University Hospital, Claude Bernard University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
Background:
Regarding their relation to the spinal cord (SC), resection of pre-medullary meningiomas may be technically challenging. Anterior approach via corpectomy represents a nice option reducing the need for mobilization of the SC.
Case Description:
We describe the case of a patient presenting with a cervical meningioma, located anterior to the SC and operated on through an anterior approach. Surgery consisted of a 2-levels discectomy and C7 corpectomy, midline opening of the dura and then microsurgical resection of the tumor. After coagulation of the implantation base, the dura was then closed in a watertight fashion. Finally, the anterior column was reconstructed using a titanium mesh-cage and anterior plating.
Conclusion:
In the case of cervical meningioma located anterior to the SC, anterior approach may be considered as an alternative option to remove the tumor.
Insights
Resecting spinal cord (SC) meningiomas anteriorly can be difficult. An anterior surgical approach using corpectomy offers a viable alternative, minimizing SC manipulation for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Pre-medullary meningiomas pose significant surgical challenges due to their proximity to the spinal cord (SC).
- Minimizing SC manipulation is crucial for preventing neurological deficits during tumor resection.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with an anterior cervical meningioma is presented.
- The surgical technique involved a 2-level discectomy and C7 corpectomy, followed by microsurgical tumor resection.
- Reconstruction utilized a titanium mesh-cage and anterior plating to stabilize the anterior column.
Findings:
- The anterior approach facilitated the resection of a cervical meningioma located anterior to the SC.
- Watertight dural closure and anterior column reconstruction were successfully achieved.
- This approach potentially reduces the need for extensive SC mobilization.
Implications:
- The anterior approach via corpectomy is a feasible alternative for managing anterior cervical meningiomas.
- This technique may offer a safer and more effective surgical option for select patients.
- Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach.
