Bow Hunter's Syndrome: Complete Microsurgical Decompression of Vertebral Artery by Far Lateral Retrocondylar Approach: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Abstract

This 50-yr-old man had a 15-yr history of presyncopal episodes that were precipitated by turning his head to the right, and had worsened recently. Cerebral angiogram demonstrated complete cessation of anterograde flow in left vertebral artery (VA) at the level of the C1 sulcus arteriosus while turning head to right, indicating dynamic compression at the C1 level. Patient underwent left extreme lateral retrocondylar approach, partial C1 laminectomy and opening of the C1 foramen with complete microsurgical decompression of the VA. After skin incision, meticulous muscle dissection was performed and superior and inferior oblique muscles were disconnected from the tubercle of C1. The VA was exposed, and three areas of constriction were visible, first at the atlanto-occipital membrane laterally; second, located more medially as the artery curved around the occipital condyle to enter the posterior fossa; and third, located anterior to C2 nerve root. The artery was dissected from all the surrounding tissues, preserving the C2 nerve root, and the Cl foramen was opened completely. The Cl lamina was also partially resected and grooved to allow free placement of the VA. The VA was also decompressed near the C2 foramen. Postoperative computed tomography angiogram of the head and neck showed complete decompression of VA. The patient had no episodes of presyncope or dizziness while turning head to right and his mRs was 0 at 8 mo follow up. This 3D video shows the technical nuances of decompression of V3 segment of VA in bow hunters's syndrome. Informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to the surgery that included videotaping of the procedure and its distribution for educational purposes. All relevant patient identifiers have also been removed from the video and accompanying radiology slides.