Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Congenital anomalies of the pediatric cervical spine arise from a failure of normal development occurring early in the embryonic process. Failure to recognize these pathologic processes risks overlooking segmental instability, developing progressive spinal deformity, encroachment on…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Surgical exposure of the anterior cervicothoracic junction poses a unique challenge for spine surgeons. Several distinct features of this region contribute to the difficulty of approach. However, given the complexities and challenges of this region, subsequent…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis The midline posterior approach is the most commonly used approach to the cervical spine. It allows efficient and safe access to the posterior elements of the occipitocervical region and the subaxial cervical spine. It is indicated…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis The approach to the anterior cervical spine is one of the most common approaches performed in cervical spine surgery. Because of the vital anatomy near the surgical dissection, potential complications from this approach are severe. Therefore,…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis The upper cervical spine encompasses the area spanning the occiput, the atlas (C1), the axis (C2), and the C2-C3 motion segment. The authors discuss four main approaches to the upper cervical spine: the dorsal or posterior,…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis An expert understanding of cervical anatomy is critical to a spine surgeon operating in this region. An understanding of this anatomy is essential for surgical technique and diagnosis of pathologic processes. This chapter is a review…