title: Anterior extraoral approach to the atlas and axis.
abstract: A transcervical extraoral approach was utilized to achieve exposure to the upper cervical spine in five patients, four of whom required bone graft placement. Excellent exposure was achieved in all patients, and the postoperative course was uncomplicated. The anterior extraoral approach is a reliable technique in treatment of pathology of the atlas and axis.
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Nachlas
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: McAfee
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Johns
mesh_terms: D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000601:surgery*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion