Core Techniques in Operative Neurosurgery

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

The authors would like to thank Carmina F. Angeles for work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Correction of cervical kyphotic deformity to restore lordotic alignment. Decompression of the cervical spinal cord in degenerative spondylotic myelopathy. Excision…

Anterior Cervical Diskectomy

The authors wish to thank Benjamin M. Zussman, Peter G. Campell, and James S. Harrop for their work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Cervical disk herniation with persistent radiculopathy and/or myelopathy following conservative measures. Cervical disk…

Odontoid Screw Fixation

The authors wish to acknowledge Daniel S. Hutton and Kee D. Kim for their work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Patients with acute type II odontoid fractures (< 6 months) and patients with fractures with either…

Transoral Odontoidectomy

The authors would like to thank Matthew J. Tormenti, Ricky Madhok, and Adam S. Kanter for their work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Irreducible atlantoaxial subluxation with compression of cervicomedullary junction. Ventrally located pathology of the…

Occipitocervical Fusion

The authors wish to thank Nestor D. Tomycz and David O. Okonkwo for their work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Occipitocervical fusion is performed for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability. Posttraumatic: Atlantooccipital dislocation, complex fractures involving CVJ,…

C1-2 Posterior Cervical Fusion

Indications C1-2 posterior cervical fusion is indicated in patients with odontoid fractures that cannot be repaired with an odontoid screw, including (1) type II odontoid fractures with atlantoaxial joint fracture, (2) type II odontoid fractures with oblique fractures in the…

Transarticular Screws for C1-2 Fixation

The authors wish to thank Vincent Y. Wang and Dean Chou for their work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Indications Indications for C1-2 transarticular screw fixation, also known as Magerl’s method, are atlantoaxial instability, tumor formation, ligamentous…

Anterior C1-2 Fixation

The authors wish to thank Carmina F. Angeles for her work on the previous edition’s version of this chapter. Procedure notes Instability of C1-2 may be due to trauma, infection, tumors, or rheumatoid arthritis. In deciding the appropriate management of…

Insertion of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Indications Hydrocephalus, communicating or obstructive, that is not amenable to endoscopic third ventriculostomy (with or without choroid plexus coagulation) or treatment of primary etiology (i.e., removal of obstructing fourth ventricular neoplasm). Failure of previously placed shunt system. Contraindications Fevers or…

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

Indications Patients with late-onset (adolescent or adult) nontumoral obstructive hydrocephalus have the highest rate of success after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (close to 90%). The high success rate in this group is likely related to the presence of intact pathways for…