Benzel's Spine Surgery

Anterior Subaxial Cervical Fixation and Fusion Techniques

Summary of Key Points Anterior subaxial fixation techniques have greatly evolved since first being described in the 1950s. Current fixation techniques involve a combination of modular interbodies, titanium plates, and screws. The composition of the interbodies (titanium, allograft, etc.) and…

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Corpectomy

Summary of Key Points Anterior cervical discectomy provides rapid relief from radicular arm pain and halts progression of myelopathy. Corpectomy is indicated for anterior spinal cord compression between the disc spaces. Completeness of discectomy and corpectomy is based on intraoperative…

Dorsal Subaxial Cervical Instrumentation Techniques

Summary of Key Points Posterior cervical instrumentation is effective in stabilizing the subaxial cervical spine. Acceptable choices of instrumentation include lateral mass screw fixation and cervical pedicle screws. Careful preoperative planning with an understanding of patient-specific anatomy and instrumentation options…

Cervical Laminoplasty

Summary of Key Points Open-door laminoplasty and double-door laminoplasty are the primary surgical treatment for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Cervical laminoplasty is indicated for patients with multisegmental canal stenosis and lordotic…

Endoscopic and Transnasal Approaches to the Craniocervical Junction

Summary of Key Points The endoscopic transnasal approaches provide a direct surgical trajectory to anteriorly located lesions at the craniocervical junction. Clinical series demonstrate low rates of postoperative infection after endoscopic transnasal approaches to intradural pathology despite nasal contamination. Endoscopic…