Anterior Occipito-Cervical Fusion Using an Extra-Pharyngeal Exposure

Abstract

A method of exposing the anterior aspect of the occipitocervical spine is reported. The field of surgery is entirely outside the pharynx and larynx. The operation is an upward extension of the well known anterior route to the cervical spine, and hence is extensile. Arthrodesis of the occipitocervical region and the high cervical spine can be readily performed through this exposure. Five cases are reported of such a procedure. It is suggested that surgery on the pharynx, occiput, atlanto-axial region, foramen magnum, and the base of the brain and brain stem could be performed through this approach.