title: Proposed classification for the transbasal approach and its modifications.
abstract: The transbasal approach offers extradural exposure of the anterior midline skull base transcranially. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including trauma, craniofacial deformity, and tumors. This approach has been modified to enhance basal access. This article reviews the principle differences among modifications to the transbasal approach and introduces a new classification scheme. The rationale is to offer a uniform nomenclature to facilitate discussion of these approaches, their indications, and related issues.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: Iman
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Feiz-Erfan
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Spetzler
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Horn
authors.forename: Randall W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: Stephen P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Beals
authors.forename: Salvatore C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lettieri
authors.forename: Edward F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Joganic
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Demonte