title: Complications of surgery at the craniovertebral junction--avoidance and management.
abstract: The pathology encountered at the craniovertebral junction is extensive. It includes congenital, developmental and acquired abnormalities which ultimately compromise the cervicomedullary junction. The pediatric age group is particularly vulnerable as the muscular support is not fully developed. Numerous surgical approaches have been developed to relieve compression, as well as to stabilize this region. The complications described are from a review of the literature and the author's personal experience.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Menezes
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods