Minimally invasive anterior approach to upper cervical spine: surgical technique.

Objective: The transoral approach of Spetzler is the classic anterior access to the upper cervical spine that provides direct exposure for anterior decompression of the spinal cord. The risks of infection, the limits in extension, and the postoperative recovery difficulties of transmucosal access suggest the use of an alternative anterior extraoral approach in upper cervical surgery. However, this approach results in complications from nerve palsy because of excessive retraction of the hypoglossal and the superior laryngeal nerves.

Minimally invasive lateral mass plating in the treatment of posterior cervical trauma: surgical technique.

Objective: The technique of lateral mass fixation restores the posterior tension band and provides effective stabilization in patients with many types of traumatic injuries. However, postoperative wound pain is not uncommon. The objective of this work is to describe a modified technique of minimally invasive lateral mass plating for cervical spine trauma.