Cervical spine lateral approach for myeloradiculopathy: technique and pitfalls

Abstract 

Background

The authors describe the rationale of cervical spine lateral approach technique to manage spondylotic myeloradiculopathy with its advantages, disadvantages, complications, and pitfalls.

Methods

The cervical lateral approach could be indicated to treat spondylotic myeloradiculopathy where anterior compression is predominant and the spine is straight or kyphotic without instability.

Results

Using the present approach the lateral aspect of the cervical spine is easily reached and the vertebral artery is well controlled. The lateral part of the pathological intervertebral discs, uncovertebral joints, vertebral bodies and posterior longitudinal ligament are removed as necessary and decompression tailored to each patient to completely free the nerve roots and/or spinal cord.

Conclusion

The cervical lateral multilevel corpectomy/foraminotomy technique allows wide anterior decompression of the spinal cord and complete unilateral nerve root decompression preserving spinal stability and physiological spinal motion.

Abbreviations: CE, external carotid artery, CI, internal carotid artery, CSM, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, CSR, cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, CT, computerized tomography, HS, Horner's syndrome, IJV, internal jugular vein, LCM, longus colli muscle, MOC, multiple oblique corpectomy, MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, SCM, sternocleidomastoid muscle, VA, vertebral artery, XI, accessory nerve

Keywords: Cervical spine, Oblique corpectomy, Lateral foraminotomy, Myelopathy, Vertebral artery