Endoscopic transoral excision of odontoid process in irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation: our experience of 34 patients.

Background: The endoscopic excision of the odontoid process in irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) can be achieved by transnasal, transoral, and transcervical approaches. Endoscopic transoral technique has been found to be effective and safe. It avoids palatal splitting or prolonged retraction.