Posterior Cervical Approach Research Articles

411 Perioperative Complications and Radiographic Outcomes Following Cervical Laminoplasty: A Review of 105 Cases From a Single Academic Center

INTRODUCTION: With advancements in technology, the safety and efficacy of cervical laminoplasty have increased, leading to a reduction in complications frequently associated with posterior cervical surgical approaches, including C5 nerve palsy, axial neck pain, loss of lordosis, and loss of motion. However, the impact of these advancements on cervical radiographic parameters remains poorly documented, and the prevalence of complications in North American populations has not been adequately studied. METHODS: We evaluated patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty between 2011 to 2022 at an academic medical center. Patient demographics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, preoperative and post-operative radiographic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: 150 patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty during this study period were identified. 105 patients met the inclusion criteria. We identified a total of 22 (21.0%) adverse events in 20 patients. There were 4 intra-operative (3.8%), 10 peri-operative (9.5%), and 8 delayed post-operative (7.6%) adverse events. Amongst them, 13 (12.4%) were judged to be minor and 9 (8.6%) were judged to be major complications. Six (5.7%) patients required revision surgery. Forty-seven (44.8%) of the 105 patients had both pre-and post-operative cervical spine radiographic imaging. The average pre-and post-op C2-7 cobb angles were 14.7 degrees and 12.3 degrees (p-value of 0.04). The pre-and post-op SVA was 29.2 mm and 33.3 mm (p-value of 0.07). The pre-op and post-op T1 slopes were 32.3 and 30.2 deg (p-value of 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical laminoplasty carries a significant risk of adverse events, the majority of which are minor and has a low rate of re-operation (5.7%). The procedure does not result in significant changes in SVA or T1 slope. Cervical laminoplasty remains a valuable surgical option for selected patients with cervical myelopathy.

Current Concepts of Cervical Spine Alignment, Sagittal Deformity, and Cervical Spine Surgery.

There are not many reports on cervical spine alignment, and only a few analyze ideal surgical approaches and optimal amounts of correction needed for the various types of deformity. We comprehensively reviewed the present literature on cervical spinal deformities (with or without myelopathy) and their surgical management to provide a framework for surgical planning. A general assessment of the parameters actually in use and correlations between cervical and thoracolumbar spine alignment are provided. We also analyzed posterior, anterior, and combined cervical surgical approaches and indications for the associated techniques of laminoplasty, laminectomy and fusion, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Finally, on the basis of the NDI, SF-36, VAS, and mJOA questionnaires, we fully evaluated the outcomes and measures of postoperative health-related quality of life. We found the need for additional prospective studies to further enhance our understanding of the importance of cervical alignment when assessing and treating cervical deformities with or without myelopathy. Future studies need to focus on correlations between cervical alignment parameters, disability scores, and myelopathy outcomes. Through this comprehensive literature review, we offer guidance on practical and important points of surgical technique, cervical alignment, and goals surgeons can meet to improve symptoms in all patients.

Hirayama’s disease associated with cervical deformity and spinal cord compression: a case report from Sweden

BackgroundHirayama’s disease (HD) is most common in young males, and previous studies are predominantly from Asian countries. The cause of HD is unknown but the most common theory about the pathology speculates on forward bending that causes a compression of the dura mater and the anterior horn of the spinal cord against the vertebra during an overstretch flexion that may result in myelopathy. Both anterior and posterior cervical surgical approaches have been shown to be effective in stopping the disease and improving function; however, HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease, and treatment with a cervical collar may be an alternative for these patients.Case reportWe report HD in a 17-year-old male from Sweden who underwent surgical treatment with a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) due to neurological progression from HD after conservative treatment.ConclusionHD is rare and is easily overlooked. Surgical intervention shows promising results for neurological progression, but HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease.

Successful management of delayed traumatic cervical spondyloptosis with neurological deficit: illustrative case.

Cervical spondyloptosis is a serious condition scarcely encountered by spine surgeons. Few cases have been reported in the literature. There are no general guidelines for their management, especially in delayed cases. The authors describe their surgical technique for the management of cervical spondyloptosis 45 days after the trauma. A 28-year-old patient was admitted 45 days after head and cervical trauma leading to quadriplegia with muscular strength at the C5 level. Cervical computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging revealed C6-7 spondyloptosis with complete slippage of the C6 vertebral body in front of C7. Posterior and anterior cervical spine approaches during the same surgery allowed decompression and stabilization, leading to a dramatic improvement in the neurological deficit. The patient was able to walk 18 months later with near normal balance. Traumatic cervical spondyloptosis requires early management to increase the possibility of decompression through anatomical realignment and stabilization. In delayed cases, a combined anterior and posterior cervical spine approach according to our technique allows decompression and stabilization with a good postoperative outcome possible.

Technique of Distraction, Compression, Extension, Reduction to Reduce and Realign Old Displaced Odontoid Fracture From Posterior Approach: A Novel Technique.

Chronic 'displaced' displaced type II fractures, though uncommon, are difficult to manage. They usually require a transoral procedure followed by a posterior instrumented fusion. We describe here, a new method to reduce the fractured displaced odontoid using a posterior cervical approach only. Prospective and observational, n = 14 had a 'displaced and irreducible' old fracture dens causing cord compression (type I, 1; type II, 13). They underwent a novel technique to reduce the fracture. The C1 arch was first drilled and removed. The C1 lateral masses on both sides were then drilled completely and a spacer was placed between the occiput and C2 facet. Following this, an intraoperative reducing maneuver was performed, utilizing the spacer as a fulcrum, and then achieving complete reduction and realignment. All patients improved clinically (mean Nurick preoperative score: 4.07 ± 0.8; the postoperative score was 1.3 ± 0.4). The mean correction in effective canal diameter was 74.3% ± 9.5% and the mean correction in actual canal diameter was 77% ± 8.7%. Solid bone fusion was demonstrated in 12 patients with at least 1-year follow-up (follow-up range, 12-35 months; mean, 21.8 ± 9.8 months). The new described modification of distraction, compression extension, and reduction seems to be effective for 'displaced' chronic fracture dens with cord compression. It avoids additional transoral surgery in these patients.

Extraoral anterior approach for the treatment of os odontoideum: illustrative case.

Os odontoideum is typically treated with instrumented fusion through a posterior cervical approach. When this approach fails, limited options for revision are available. Occipitocervical fusion and transoral anterior fusions have been utilized in the past but are associated with high morbidity and complications. Here the authors report a case of os odontoideum that was treated with an anterior cervical extraoral approach after failed posterior instrumented fusion. They discuss the challenges that can be encountered with the failure of fusion and the limited options when it comes to approach and fixation of os odontoideum. To the authors' knowledge and based on a review of the literature, this case represents the first use of an anterior extraoral prevascular approach to the high cervical spine to address os odontoideum. They demonstrate that this approach can be utilized as a reasonable alternative to transoral surgery and should be considered in cases where additional or alternative fixation is desired without the morbidity and complications associated with occipitocervical fusion or a transoral approach, especially in a younger patient population.

Posterior cervical triangle approach for carotid endarterectomy: Technical note and results

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is usually performed using the anterior cervical triangle as a surgical corridor but, when needed, the retromandibular space makes dissection of higher structures difficult in some cases. The posterior cervical triangle (PCT) can be useful in these demanding cases. We retrospectively reviewed cases from July 2013 to November 2019 in which PCT was used as an approach for CEA. The surgical technique used was explained, and the complications and evolution of the patients were analysed. We found 7 CEAs performed through this approach, of which 2 presented transient trapezius paresis. There were no cases of severe complications in this series. The PCT approach for performing CEA represents a useful and easy technique that avoids the need for mandibular mobilisation or osteotomies for lesions located in anatomically high carotid bifurcations. La endarterectomía carotídea (ECA) se suele realizar utilizando el triángulo cervical anterior como corredor quirúrgico, pero el espacio retromandibular dificulta en algunos casos la disección de estructuras de localización superior. El triángulo cervical posterior (TCP) puede ser útil en estos casos complejos. Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de los casos atendidos en nuestra unidad utilizando el TCP como abordaje en ECA desde julio de 2013 hasta noviembre de 2019. Se explica la técnica quirúrgica empleada y se han revisado las complicaciones y evolución de los pacientes. Se realizaron 7 ECA a través de este abordaje. Dos pacientes presentaron paresia transitoria del trapecio. No hubo casos de complicaciones graves en esta serie. El abordaje por el TCP para la realización de ECA representa una técnica útil y técnicamente simple, que evita procedimientos de movilización mandibular para lesiones localizadas en bifurcaciones carotídeas anatómicamente altas.

Posterior cervical triangle approach for carotid endarterectomy: Technical note and results

IntroductionCarotid endarterectomy (CEA) is usually performed using the anterior cervical triangle as a surgical corridor but, when needed, the retromandibular space makes dissection of higher structures difficult in some cases. The posterior cervical triangle (PCT) can be useful in these demanding cases. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed cases from July 2013 to November 2019 in which PCT was used as an approach for CEA. The surgical technique used was explained, and the complications and evolution of the patients were analysed. ResultsWe found 7 CEAs performed through this approach, of which 2 presented transient trapezius paresis. There were no cases of severe complications in this series. ConclusionThe PCT approach for performing CEA represents a useful and easy technique that avoids the need for mandibular mobilisation or osteotomies for lesions located in anatomically high carotid bifurcations.

Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Fusion: A Handsome Option.

Cervical spondylosis is the leading cause of cervical myelopathy. When surgery is indicated, it is commonly addressed through an anterior or posterior cervical approach, such as cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or laminectomy and fusion (LMF). Besides their own merits, each one has specific approach- or device-related complications, such as dysphagia, significant postoperative pain, wound infection, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and pseudoarthrosis. Through a tissue-sparing minimally invasive technique, posterior cervical fusion (PCF) has shown unfolding compelling evidence of biomechanical stability, good clinical outcomes, and high fusion rates, with fewer complications and better econometrics. On the basis of our own experience, we discuss here the indications, advantages, and drawbacks of minimally invasive PCF.

Transdural Approach for Resection of Craniovertebral Junction Cysts: Case Series.

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) cysts, including retro-odontoid pseudotumors, are challenging pathologies to treat and manage effectively. Surgical intervention is indicated when these lesions result in progressive myelopathy, intractable pain, or instability. To present a case series of older patients who underwent successful resection retro-odontoid lesions using transdural approach. A single-center, retrospective observation study of older patients who underwent transdural resection of CVJ cysts at a single institution was performed. Summary demographic information, clinical presentation, perioperative and intraoperative imaging, and Nurick scores were collected and analyzed. Eight patients were included (mean age [±SD] 75.88 ± 9.09 years). All patients presented with retro-odontoid lesions resulting in severe cervical stenosis, cord compression, and myelopathy. The mean duration of surgery was 226 ± 83.7 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 181.2 cc. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days ± 1.3 (range, 3-7 days). The average follow-up time was 12.5 ± 9.5 months. No intraoperative complications were encountered. The Nurick classification score for myelopathy improved at the final postoperative examination (2.38 ± 1.06 vs 1 ± 1.07). Three patients demonstrated a pre-existing deformity prompting an instrumented fusion. Both computed tomography and MRI evidence of complete regression of retro-odontoid cyst were noted in all patients on the final follow-up. Posterior cervical transdural approach for ventral lesions at the CVJ is a safe and effective means of treating older patients with progressive myelopathy. This technique provides immediate spinal cord decompression while limiting neurological complications commonly associated with open or endoscopic anterior transpharyngeal approaches.

Barbed Suture versus Interrupted Suture in Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Are They Equivalent?

Posterior cervical spine approaches have been associated with increased rates of wound complications compared to anterior approaches. While barbed suture wound closure for lumbar spine surgery has been shown to be safe and efficacious, there is no literature regarding its use in posterior cervical spine surgery. In a cohort of patients undergoing elective posterior cervical spine surgery, we sought to compare postoperative complication rates between barbed and traditional interrupted suture closure. A retrospective review of demographics, past medical history, and operative and postoperative variables collected from a prospective registry between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020 was undertaken. All patients 18 years old and above undergoing elective posterior cervical fusion were included. The primary outcome of interest was wound complications, including surgical site infection (SSI), dehiscence, or hematoma. In addition, numerical rating scale (NRS) neck pain (NP), NRS arm pain (AP), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and operative time were collected. A variety of statistical tests were used to compare the two suture groups. Of 117 patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion, 89 (76%) were closed with interrupted suture and 28 (24%) with barbed suture. The interrupted cohort were more likely to have >1 comorbidity (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.013), and coronary artery disease (p=0.002). No difference in postoperative wound complications between interrupted/barbed sutures was observed after univariate (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.27-4.25, p=0.927) and multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.15-4.00, p=0.756). Univariate logistic regression revealed no differences in achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) NRS-NP (OR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.28-1.88, p=0.508) or NRS-AP (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.25-1.90, p=0.464) at 3 months between suture groups. The interrupted suture group was less likely to achieve MCID NDI at 3 months (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.80, p=0.016). Barbed suture closure in posterior cervical spine surgery does not lead to higher rates of postoperative wound complications/SSI compared to traditional interrupted fascial closure.

Short-term post-operative complications in 207 patients with multi-level degenerative cervical myelopathy: the effect of surgical approach.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common condition often treated by surgical decompression and fusion. The objective of this paper was to compare short-term post-operative complication rates of patients with multi-level DCM treated with decompression and fusion using either an anterior or a posterior cervical approach. A retrospective evaluation of patients' charts, imaging studies and operative reports of patients operated for multilevel subaxial DCM from 2011 to 2016 at a single institution was performed. Patients who were operated upon for the treatment of three stenosed spinal levels or above and who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, or posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion, were included. Short-term post-operative complications were compared between the anterior and posterior approaches. Overall, 207 patients were included in this study. 156 were operated via an anterior approach and 51 via a posterior approach. The mean number of treated levels was 3.4 and 4.3 for the anterior and posterior approach groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In the posterior approach group, the proportion of stenosed spinal levels within all operated levels was significantly lower than in the anterior approach group (p = 0.025). Early post-operative neurological status change was favourable for both groups. Deep wound infection rate was significantly higher in the posterior approach group (7.8% vs. none; p = 0.001). Posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion is significantly associated with an increased rate of deep wound infection and wound revision surgery compared to the anterior approach. We recommend the anterior approach as the valid option in treating multi-level DCM.

Correction of pediatric cervical kyphosis with standalone posterior approach-a single-center experience of seven cases.

To study clinical and radiological outcomes of pediatric cervical kyphosis correction with a standaloneposterior cervical approach. Cervical spine kyphotic deformity in pediatric age group is a distinct entity and themanagement is challenging. Pediatric cervical kyphosis is less often encountered, and literature is sparse with onlyfew case series. Management algorithms are devised keeping the flexibility of the deformity at the core of decisionmaking. Circumferential fusion is mostly recommended for non-flexible (rigid) kyphosis. Authors present a single center retrospective analysis of cases of pediatric cervical kyphosis managed bya standalone posterior approach. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiological parameters were recorded andanalyzed. Changes in neurological status, kyphosis correction and bony fusion were assessed. Surgical andimplant related complications were noted. Seven cases (6 male, 1 female) were included. Mean age was 13.9±2.9 years, ranging from 8-17 years.Etiology was traumatic in 2 cases, developmental in 2, and syndromic, Hirayama disease and post-laminectomy in1 case each. Mean kyphosis correction was 36.80±19.30 (87%±21%) with a mean pre-operative kyphosis angle of37.80±15.30 and mean immediate post-operative kyphosis angle of 3.70±8.70. Mean hospital stay duration was10±6 days. Median follow-up duration was 36 months. Myelopathy improved in 5 cases at last follow-up. Six casesdemonstrated bony fusion at a mean follow-up of 8.4±1.5 months. Significant immediate correction in pediatric cervical kyphosis may be achieved with a standaloneposterior approach with proper planning and technique in selected cases. Inserting pedicle screws at strategiclocations of implant construct offer better corrections and pull-out strength and maintain long-term stability resultingin higher arthrodesis rates. Larger studies with longer follow up are needed to further ascertain the role ofstandalone posterior cervical approaches in pediatric cervical kyphosis.

Cost analysis comparison between anterior and posterior cervical spine approaches.

Background: The costs of cervical spine surgery have steadily increased. We performed a 5-year propensity scoring-matched analysis of 276 patients undergoing anterior versus posterior cervical surgery at one institution.Methods: We performed propensity score matching on financial data from 276 patients undergoing 1–3 level anterior versus posterior cervical fusions for degenerative disease (2015–2019).Results: We found no significant difference between anterior versus posterior approaches for hospital costs ($42,529.63 vs. $45,110.52), net revenue ($40,877.25 vs. $34,036.01), or contribution margins ($14,230.19 vs. $6,312.54). Multivariate regression analysis showed variables significantly associated with the lower contribution margins included age (β = −392.3) and length of stay (LOS; β = −1151). Removing age/LOS from the analysis, contribution margins were significantly higher for the anterior versus posterior approach ($17,824.16 vs. $6,312.54, P = 0.01).Conclusion: Anterior cervical surgery produced higher contribution margins compared to posterior approaches, most likely because posterior surgery was typically performed in older patients requiring longer LOS.

Early Reoperation Rates and Its Risk Factors after Instrumented Spinal Fusion Surgery for Degenerative Spinal Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study of 65,355 Patients.

Reoperation is a major concern in spinal fusion surgery for degenerative spinal disease. Earlier reported reoperation rates were confined to a specific spinal region without comprehensive analysis, and their prediction models for reoperation were not statistically validated. Our study aimed to present reasonable base rates for reoperation according to all possible risk factors and build a validated prediction model for early reoperation. In our nationwide population-based cohort study, data between 2014 and 2016 were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. Patients older than 19 years who underwent instrumented spinal fusion surgery for degenerative spinal diseases were included. The patients were divided into cases (patients who underwent reoperation) and controls (patients who did not undergo reoperation), and risk factors for reoperation were determined by multivariable analysis. The estimates of all statistical models were internally validated using bootstrap samples, and sensitivity analyses were additionally performed to validate the estimates by comparing the two prediction models (models for 1st-year and 3rd-year reoperation). The study included 65,355 patients: 2939 (4.5%) who underwent reoperation within 3 years after the index surgery and 62,146 controls. Reoperation rates were significantly different according to the type of surgical approach and the spinal region. The third-year reoperation rates were 5.3% in the combined lumbar approach, 5.2% in the posterior lumbar approach, 5.0% in the anterior lumbar approach, 3.0% in the posterior thoracic approach, 2.8% in the posterior cervical approach, 2.6% in the anterior cervical approach, and 1.6% in the combined cervical approach. Multivariable analysis identified older age, male sex, hospital type, comorbidities, allogeneic transfusion, longer use of steroids, cages, and types of surgical approaches as risk factors for reoperation. Clinicians can conduct comprehensive risk assessment of early reoperation in patients who will undergo instrumented spinal fusion surgery for degenerative spinal disease using this model.

Surgical Removal of Cervical Extradural Cysts Using the Biportal Endoscopic Approach

Symptomatic intraspinal extradural cysts of the cervical spine are uncommon; however, they are usually treated using conventional posterior decompression. Biportal endoscopic surgery is widely used to treat degenerative cervical pathological conditions. This study presented an optimized surgical technique for a biportal endoscopic posterior approach for removal of cervical intraspinal extradural cysts that caused cervical radiculomyelopathy. A broad laminotomy was performed, which was wider than the outer contour of the cysts. The ligamentum flavum was detached from the bony margin and removed after an epidural dissection, and a dense adhesive tissue entrapped the extradural cysts. A spinal endoscope was placed close to the dissection plane and offered a high-resolution magnified view. The cyst capsule was safely dissected from the dura and removed en bloc without dural injury. Postoperatively, neurological deficits, including cervical myelopathy, radiating arm pain, and upper back pain improved in both patients. We successfully removed an extradural cervical cystic mass lesion by using a biportal endoscopic posterior cervical approach without complications. The biportal endoscopic approach may have advantages, such as minimizing trauma to the normal structures of the posterior cervical region, magnified endoscopic view, and early recovery after the surgery. Biportal endoscopy may be used as an alternative surgical treatment for symptomatic cervical intraspinal extradural cystic lesions.

Posterior surgical approach for the treatment of lower cervical spine injury with spinal cord paralysis: high postoperative mortality in resource-scare setting.

This report aimed to characterize clinical and imaging characteristics and outcomes of the patients with lower cervical spine injury combined with spinal cord paralysis who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery. Between January 2019 and December 2020, a retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data at one institution was conducted. We included all patients who were diagnosed with subaxial cervical spine injuries (C3-7), had spinal cord paralysis, and underwent posterior cervical spine surgery. Clinical profile, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were retrieved from prospective patients' medical records and computerized database. Among 70 selected patients, most were male (66, 94.29%) and the average age was 48.41 ± 14.33 years. Most of them worked in agriculture (90.4%). Clinical symptoms included neck pain (58, 82.86%), cervical radiculopathy (50, 71.43%), loss of sensation (44, 62.86%), and decreased sensation (21, 30.00%). The most frequent cervical spinal injuries involved C5 (28.57%), followed by C7 (14.29%). Circular muscle dysfunction was present in 65 (92.86%) patients. Early complications included respiratory failure (12.85%), pneumonia (11.42%), bedsores (8.57%), and urinary tract infection (7.14%). Common late complications included movement disorder (48.21%), muscle weakness and stiffness (37.50%), sensory disturbances (32.14%), urinary tract infection (17.86%), bedsores (16.07%), and pneumonia (5.36%). Patients after surgery and at follow-up had a significant improvement compared to preoperative assessment according to the AIS classification, and recovery of smooth muscle. Three patients died within 1 month following surgery, 3 within 1-3 month(s), 2 within 3-6 months, and 1 case beyond 6 months. In hospital-based clinical condition with limited practice approach, our study indicated specific clinical and imaging characteristics of Vietnamese patients with lower cervical spine injury combined with spinal cord paralysis. With high postoperative mortality rate, commonly late complications after posterior cervical spine surgical approach were pain and difficulty in neck movement, muscle weakness and stiffness, and nerve root pain.

Evaluation of the nutrient foramen as a suitable landmark in spinal surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe posterior cervical approach is a very popular surgical procedure. Because of the slope-shaped laminae, a suitable landmark for laminectomy, laminoplasty, and pedicle screw placement does not exist. PURPOSEWe investigated the association between the nutrient foramen and spinal canal, and the safety of bone gutter placement using nutrient foramina for safe and effective spinal surgery. STUDY DESIGNObservational SETTINGUniversity Hospital PATIENT SAMPLESTwo hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients treated for cervical pathologies in our university hospital between January 2005 and December 2019. OUTCOME MEASURESWe identified the location of nutrient foramina and their anatomical association with the spinal canal using preoperative three-dimensional CT scanning. METHODSWe studied the distance between each foramen and the spinal canal, and the angle of the nutrient foramen at each vertebral level. RESULTSThe nutrient foramina were always located outside the spinal canal, with an average distance of +3.06±1.74 mm. The lower the spinal level, the closer the nutrient foramen to the spinal canal. CONCLUSIONSThe nutrient foramen can be considered a reliable landmark when using the posterior cervical approach.

Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Discectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Minimally invasive posterior cervical microdiscectomy is an appropriate surgical approach for patients with foraminal stenosis from herniated disc with radicular symptoms that is not responsive to conservative management. While anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or arthroplasty is increasingly utilized to treat herniated disc, a posterior approach eliminates the risk of potential approach related injuries to the esophagus, carotid artery, or recurrent laryngeal nerve. Additional benefits of posterior decompression include avoidance of instrumentation, which represents an increased healthcare cost, as well as potential long-term risks of adjacent-level pathologies or device failures. A traditional open posterior cervical approach has the potential to cause significant postoperative pain due to dissection of the paraspinal musculature and the potential for disrupting the posterior tension band with inadvertent injury to the interspinous ligaments. Such disadvantages are reduced by utilizing the minimally invasive technique where a small tubular working channel is placed through a muscle splitting technique via a paramedian approach. This technique minimizes the need for muscle stripping, and thus decreases postoperative functional and structural disturbance. Discectomy in this case can also be safely performed with minimal retraction at the axilla of the nerve root. Additionally, this approach can be utilized in an ambulatory setting, which coupled with the lack of any additional instrumentation helps contribute to the overall healthcare cost savings of such a procedure. This video describes how the minimally invasive posterior cervical discectomy can be effectively and safely performed in this illustrative case. The patient consented to the procedure and publication.

Arterial Vascular Structures Running Through Retrotransverse Foramen and Retrotransverse Groove of the Atlas Vertebrae

Retrotransverse foramen (RTF) and retrotransverse groove (RTG) are anatomic variations of the atlas (C1) vertebrae. RTF contains an anastomotic vein connecting atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axodian venous sinuses. The purpose of this study was to analyze the arterial vascular structures running though the RTF and RTG. Three-dimensional volume rendered computed tomography angiography (3D VR CTA) images of 427 patients (264 men, 163 women; age 17-87 years) were reviewed and evaluated using the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (version 5.0.2; Medixant, Poznan, Poland). The incidence of RTF or RTG, the incidence of the V3 segment of vertebral artery variants, and the artery vascular structures inside the RTF and RTG anatomic variation of C1 were analyzed. Fifty (11.7%) atlases presented RTF anatomical variant; 113 (26.5%) atlases presented RTG anatomical variants. The incidence of the V3 segment of vertebral artery variants was 0.94% (4 of 427). Three (0.7%) were persistent first intersegmental artery and 1 (0.2%) was the fenestration of the vertebral artery on left side. In 4 cases of C1 vertebral artery V3 segmental variants, there were no RTF and RTG. No artery vascular structure was found in RTF or RTG. The RTF or RTG of C1 was a common anatomical variant. No arterial vascular structure runs though the RTF or RTG. The presence of C1 RTF and RTG variants had no effect on the V3 segmental course of the vertebral artery. Preoperative understanding of these variations using 3D CTA are helpful for the safe execution of the upper cervical posterior approach surgeries.