Minimally invasive anterior foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy: how I do it.

Acta Neurochir (Wien)

Neurosurgery, Clinique de Genolier, Route de Muids 3, Genolier, 1272, Switzerland.

Published: March 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • The standard treatment for cervical radiculopathy is typically anterior discectomy and fusion, but the authors propose a minimally invasive alternative called anterior cervical foraminotomy for direct nerve root decompression.
  • Using a modified surgical approach, the procedure involves mobilizing tissue, removing a small muscle portion, and carefully drilling to access the intervertebral foramen for direct decompression.
  • The conclusion emphasizes that anterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe and effective option that preserves motion and avoids the need for cervical fusion in appropriately selected patients.

Article Abstract

Background: The standard treatment for cervical radiculopathy is anterior discectomy and fusion. The authors describe a minimally invasive anterior cervical foraminotomy as a surgical option for direct nerve root decompression in cervical radiculopathy.

Method: Through a modified Smith-Robinson approach, the prevertebral fascia is mobilized laterally, displacing the sympathetic chain with it. A thumbnail size portion of the longus colli muscle is removed. A tubular retractor is placed, centered over the index uncovertebral joint. The lateral part of the joint is progressively drilled towards the foramen. After exposure of the intervertebral foramen, the perivascular ligamentous tissue is opened. Removal of disc fragments and osteophytes allows direct visualization and direct decompression of the nerve root.

Conclusion: Anterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe "motion preserving" procedure for direct nerve decompression in selected patients with cervical radiculopathy that does not require cervical fusion.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-04201-yDOI Listing

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