Posterolateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction

Youssef R Karam; Arnold H Menezes; Vincent C Traynelis

doi:10.1227/01.NEU.0000365828.03949.D0

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Posterolateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Posterolateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction

Youssef R Karam, Arnold H Menezes and Vincent C Traynelis

Neurosurgery, Vol.66(3 Suppl), pp.135-A140

03/2010

DOI: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000365828.03949.D0

PMID: 20173516

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Abstract

The indications and operative technique for a number of posterolateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are reviewed. The literature addressing posterolateral approaches to the CVJ is reviewed, and illustrative cases are presented. The far lateral approach and its variants, including the transcondylar, supracondylar, and paracondylar approaches, are an effective means of addressing intradural anterior and anterolateral CVJ lesions. These approaches provide exposure of the lower third of the clivus, the foramen magnum, and the upper cervical spine; do not cross contaminated regions; and enable a watertight dural closure to be performed. They are associated with minimal morbidity and usually do not significantly decrease the stability of the CVJ. All surgeons treating lesions of the CVJ should be familiar with the posterolateral approach and its modifications.

Postoperative Complications - etiology

Cranial Fossa, Posterior - anatomy & histology

Humans

Occipital Bone - anatomy & histology

Postoperative Complications - prevention & control

Foramen Magnum - surgery

Skull Base - anatomy & histology

Skull Base - surgery

Foramen Magnum - anatomy & histology

Neurosurgical Procedures - instrumentation

Occipital Bone - surgery

Craniotomy - instrumentation

Atlanto-Occipital Joint - anatomy & histology

Craniotomy - methods

Laminectomy - instrumentation

Laminectomy - methods

Neurosurgical Procedures - methods

Cervical Atlas - anatomy & histology

Atlanto-Occipital Joint - surgery

Cranial Fossa, Posterior - surgery

Cervical Atlas - surgery

Details

Title: Subtitle: Posterolateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction
Creators: Youssef R Karam - Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Arnold H Menezes
Vincent C Traynelis
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Neurosurgery, Vol.66(3 Suppl), pp.135-A140
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000365828.03949.D0
PMID: 20173516
ISSN: 0148-396X
eISSN: 1524-4040
Language: English
Date published: 03/2010
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984040354702771

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