Current techniques in the management of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.
Posterior decompressive procedures are a fundamental component of the surgical treatment of symptomatic cervical degenerative disease. Posterior approaches have the appeal of avoiding complications associated with anterior approaches such as esophageal injury, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, dysphagia, and adjacent-level disease after fusion. Although open procedures are effective, the extensive subperiosteal stripping of the paraspinal musculature leads to increased blood loss, longer hospital stays, and more postoperative pain, and potentially contributes to instability. Minimally invasive access has been developed to limit approach-related morbidity. This article reviews current techniques in minimally invasive surgical management of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.
Department of Neurological Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Professional Building Suite 855, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Electronic address: carter_gerard@rush.edu.
Carter S
CS
Gerard
Department of Neurological Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Professional Building Suite 855, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
John E
JE
O'Toole
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000601:surgery*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
Cervical; Foraminotomy; Minimally invasive; Posterior