[Transoral approach to the lower clivus and upper cervical spine].
5 cases were operated via a transoral approach for basilar impression (2 cases), tumor (2), or traumatic dislocation of the odontoid process (1). In all except 1 there was compression of the lower medulla and/or upper cervical cord. Posterior cervical fusion was also performed in 2 patients. There was significant improvement in all the patients who presented with neurological deficits. Surgical morbidity was low and there was no mortality. The use of the operating microscope, microdrill, self-retaining mouth retractor, flexible oral endotracheal tube, and intraoperative fluoroscopy permit a safe, direct approach to the lower clivus and upper cervical region.
Umansky
F
F
Dept. of Neurosurgery, Hadassah-University Hospital, Jerusalem.
Elidan
J
J
Floman
Y
Y
Constantini
S
S
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*