Minimally invasive approaches to the cervical spine

• Published in: The Orthopedic clinics of North America Vol. 43; no. 1; p. 137
• Main Authors: Celestre, Paul C, Pazmiño, Pablo R, Mikhael, Mark M, Wolf, Christopher F, Feldman, Lacey A, Lauryssen, Carl, Wang, Jeffrey C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Arthrodesis - instrumentation; Arthrodesis - methods; Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging; Cervical Vertebrae - pathology; Cervical Vertebrae - surgery; Decompression, Surgical - adverse effects; Decompression, Surgical - instrumentation; Decompression, Surgical - methods; Endoscopy - instrumentation; Endoscopy - methods; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Middle Aged; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods; Patient Selection; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Preoperative Care - methods; Pseudarthrosis - diagnosis; Pseudarthrosis - surgery; Radiculopathy - diagnosis; Radiculopathy - surgery; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Spinal Diseases - diagnosis; Spinal Diseases - surgery; Spinal Stenosis - diagnosis; Spinal Stenosis - surgery; Spondylosis - diagnosis; Spondylosis - surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1558-1373
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2011.08.007

Minimally invasive approaches and operative techniques are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of cervical spine disorders. Minimally invasive spine surgery attempts to decrease iatrogenic muscle injury, decrease pain, and speed postoperative recovery with the use of smaller incisions and specialized instruments. This article explains in detail minimally invasive approaches to the posterior spine, the techniques for posterior cervical foraminotomy and arthrodesis via lateral mass screw placement, and anterior cervical foraminotomy. Complications are also discussed. Additionally, illustrated cases are presented detailing the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques.