A safe approach to explore/identify the V2 segment of the vertebral artery during anterior approaches to cervical spine and/or arterial repairs: anatomical study

Abstract

Dissection of the soft tissue off the bone along the surgical safe zone and removal of the transverse process afterward can be a practical and safe approach to avoid artery lacerations. The findings in the present study can be used in anterior approaches to the cervical spine, especially when the tortuosity of the artery mandates exposure of the VA prior to uncinate process resection, tumor excision, or VA repair.