title: Technical advances in pediatric craniovertebral junction surgery.
abstract: Surgery for conditions in the craniovertebral junction in the pediatric population poses unique challenges. The posterior approach has emerged as the gold standard for arthrodesis in this region. Anterior fixation or decompression also may be indicated. Intraoperative image guidance and neurophysiological monitoring improve the safety and efficacy of these procedures. The specific technical advances in surgery of the craniovertebral junction that have improved patient outcomes are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Oppenlander
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kalyvas
authors.forename: Volker K H
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sonntag
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theodore
mesh_terms: D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans