scholarly journals The far-lateral approach: destruction of the condyle does not necessarily result in clinically evident craniovertebral junction instability

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehab Shiban ◽  
Elisabeth Török ◽  
Maria Wostrack ◽  
Bernhard Meyer ◽  
Jens Lehmberg
Keyword(s):  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Anterior Portion ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Clinical Instability ◽  
Craniocervical Instability ◽  
Far Lateral

OBJECT Far-lateral or extreme-lateral approaches to the skull base allow access to the lateral and anterior portion of the lower posterior fossa and foramen magnum. These approaches include a certain extent of resection of the condyle, which potentially results in craniocervical junction instability. However, it is debated what extent of condyle resection is safe and at what extent of condyle resection an occipitocervical fusion should be recommended. The authors reviewed cases of condyle resection/destruction with regard to necessity of occipitocervical fusion. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients in whom a far- or extreme-lateral approach including condyle resection of various extents was performed between January 2007 and December 2014. RESULTS Twenty-one consecutive patients who had undergone a unilateral far- or extreme-lateral approach including condyle resection were identified. There were 10 male and 11 female patients with a median age of 61 years (range 22–83 years). The extent of condyle resection was 25% or less in 15 cases, 50% in 1 case, and greater than 75% in 5 cases. None of the patients who underwent condyle resection of 50% or less was placed in a collar postoperatively or developed neck pain. Two of the patients with condyle resection of greater than 75% were placed in a semirigid collar for a period of 3 months postoperatively and remained free of pain after this period. At last follow-up none of the cases showed any clear sign of radiological or clinical instability. CONCLUSIONS The unilateral resection or destruction of the condyle does not necessarily result in craniocervical instability. No evident instability was encountered even in the 5 patients who underwent removal of more than 75% of the condyle. The far- or extreme-lateral approach may be safer than generally accepted with regard to craniocervical instability as generally considered and may not compel fusion in all cases with condylar resection of more than 75%.

The far lateral/combined supra- and infratentorial approach

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillel Z. Baldwin ◽  
Christopher G. Miller ◽  
Harry R. van Loveren ◽  
Jeffrey T. Keller ◽  
C. Phillip Daspit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stem ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Lower Clivus ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

✓ A far lateral approach to the ventral brain stem, lower clivus, and anterior foramen magnum is described. Methods for further exposure of the superior petroclival region by incorporating a subtemporal craniotomy and posterior petrosectomy are also demonstrated. Eight sequentially illustrated steps depict this technique. The far lateral/combined supra- and infratentorial exposure is a comprehensive surgical approach that provides direct access to the entire anterior and lateral brain stem and craniovertebral junction. It minimizes brain-stem retraction and maximizes visualization of the neurovascular structures.

scholarly journals Biomechanical evaluation of the craniovertebral junction after unilateral joint-sparing condylectomy: implications for the far lateral approach revisited

2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 829-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun R. Kshettry ◽  
Andrew T. Healy ◽  
Robb Colbrunn ◽  
Dylan T. Beckler ◽  
Edward C. Benzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Rotation ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Intact State ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

OBJECTIVEThe far lateral transcondylar approach to the ventral foramen magnum requires partial resection of the occipital condyle. Early biomechanical studies suggest that occipitocervical (OC) fusion should be considered if 50% of the condyle is resected. In clinical practice, however, a joint-sparing condylectomy has often been employed without the need for OC fusion. The biomechanics of the joint-sparing technique have not been reported. Authors of the present study hypothesized that the clinically relevant joint-sparing condylectomy would result in added stability of the craniovertebral junction as compared with earlier reports.METHODSMultidirectional in vitro flexibility tests were performed using a robotic spine-testing system on 7 fresh cadaveric spines to assess the effect of sequential unilateral joint-sparing condylectomy (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) in comparison with the intact state by using cardinal direction and coupled moments combined with a simulated head weight “follower load.”RESULTSThe percent change in range of motion following sequential condylectomy as compared with the intact state was 5.2%, 8.1%, 12.0%, and 27.5% in flexion-extension (FE); 8.4%, 14.7%, 39.1%, and 80.2% in lateral bending (LB); and 24.4%, 31.5%, 49.9%, and 141.1% in axial rotation (AR). Only values at 100% condylectomy were statistically significant (p < 0.05). With coupled motions, however, −3.9%, 6.6%, 35.8%, and 142.4% increases in AR+F and 27.3%, 32.7%, 77.5%, and 175.5% increases in AR+E were found. Values for 75% and 100% condyle resection were statistically significant in AR+E.CONCLUSIONSWhen tested in the traditional cardinal directions, a 50% joint-sparing condylectomy did not significantly increase motion. However, removing 75% of the condyle may necessitate fusion, as a statistically significant increase in motion was found when E was coupled with AR. Clinical correlation is ultimately needed to determine the need for OC fusion.

scholarly journals The role of alternative anastomosis sites in occipital artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass in the absence of the caudal loop using the far-lateral approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 634-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Fukuda ◽  
Alexander I. Evins ◽  
Koichi Iwasaki ◽  
Itaro Hattori ◽  
Kenichi Murao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Technical Difficulty ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Difficulty Level ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

OBJECTIVE Occipital artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery (OA-PICA) bypass is a technically challenging procedure for posterior fossa revascularization. The caudal loop of the PICA is considered the optimal site for OA-PICA anastomosis, however its absence can increase the technical difficulty associated with this procedure. The use of the far-lateral approach for accessing alternative anastomosis sites in OA-PICA bypass in patients with absent or unavailable caudal loops of PICA is evaluated. METHODS A morphometric analysis of OA-PICA bypass with anastomosis on each segment of the PICA was performed on 5 cadaveric specimens through the conventional midline foramen magnum and far-lateral approaches. The difficulty level associated with anastomoses at each segment was qualitatively assessed in each approach for exposure and maneuverability by multiple surgeons. A series of 8 patients who underwent OA-PICA bypass for hemodynamic ischemia or ruptured dissecting posterior fossa aneurysms are additionally reviewed and described, and the clinical significance of the caudal loop of PICA is discussed. RESULTS Anastomosis on the caudal loop could be performed more superficially than on any other segment (p < 0.001). A far-lateral approach up to the medial border of the posterior condylar canal provided a 13.5 ± 2.2–mm wider corridor than the conventional midline foramen magnum approach, facilitating access to alternative anastomosis sites. The far-lateral approach was successfully used for OA-PICA bypass in 3 clinical cases whose caudal loops were absent, whereas the midline foramen magnum approach provided sufficient exposure for caudal loop bypass in the remaining 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS The absence of the caudal loop of the PICA is a major contributing factor to the technical difficulty of OA-PICA bypass. The far-lateral approach is a useful surgical option for OA-PICA bypass when the caudal loop of the PICA is unavailable.

scholarly journals Technical strategies to approach aneurysms of the vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklaus Krayenbühl ◽  
Carlos A. Guerrero ◽  
Ali F. Krisht
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves

Object Aneurysms of the vertebral artery (VA) and proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare and challenging lesions, as they are located in front of the brainstem and surrounded by the lower cranial nerves. Many different approaches have been described for their treatment, and have yielded different results. With the use of different examples of lesions, the authors describe their surgical strategy in the management of VA and PICA aneurysms. Methods The far-lateral approach was used, and the potential of its different extensions according to the specific anatomical location and configuration of different types of aneurysms is emphasized. Conclusions With the present knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy in the region of the foramen magnum, the far-lateral approach can be tailored to the specific anatomical and morphological configuration of an aneurysm in this region with good surgical results.

scholarly journals Resection of a Recurrent Cervicomedullary Junction Fibromyxoid Sarcoma through a Far Lateral Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Nguyen ◽  
William Mangham ◽  
Jaafar Basma ◽  
Nickalus Khan ◽  
Jeffrey Sorenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Dural Graft ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Fibromyxoid Sarcoma ◽  
Far Lateral

Abstract Objectives This study describes a far lateral approach for the resection of a recurrent fibromyxoid sarcoma involving the ventrolateral brainstem, with emphasis on the microsurgical anatomy and technique. Design A far lateral craniotomy is performed in the lateral decubitus position and the transverse and sigmoid sinuses exposed. After opening the dura, sutures are placed to allow gentle mobilization of the sinuses. The recurrent tumor is immediately visible. The involved dura is resected and aggressive internal debulking is performed. Subarachnoid dissection gives access to the lower cranial nerves. The tumor is dissected off the affected portions of the brainstem. A dural graft is used to reconstitute the dura. Photographs of the region are borrowed from Dr. Rhoton's laboratory to illustrate the microsurgical anatomy. Participants The senior author performed the surgery. The video was edited by Dr. V.N. chart review, and literature review were performed by Drs. W.M. and J.B. Outcome measures Outcome was assessed with the extent of resection and postoperative neurological function. Results A near gross total resection of the lesion was achieved. The patient developed a left vocal cord paresis, but her voice was improving at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion Understanding the microsurgical anatomy of the craniocervical junction and ventrolateral brainstem and meticulous microneurosurgical technique are necessary to achieve adequate resection of lesions involving the ventrolateral brainstem. The far lateral approach provides an adequate corridor to this region.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtube/uYEhgPbgrTs.

Comparison of the Far Lateral and Extreme Lateral Variants of the Atlanto-occipital Transarticular Approach to Anterior Extradural Lesions of the Craniovertebral Junction

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 662-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatou Kawashima ◽  
Necmettin Tanriover ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton ◽  
Arthur J. Ulm ◽  
Toshio Matsushima
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle ◽  
Transoral Approach ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral

Abstract OBJECTIVE Managing lesions situated in the anterior aspect of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) remains a challenging neurosurgical problem. The purposes of this study were to examine the microsurgical anatomy of the anterior extradural aspect of the CVJ and the differences in the exposure obtained by the far lateral and extreme lateral atlanto-occipital transarticular approaches. The far lateral approach, as originally described, is a lateral suboccipital approach directed behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the vertebral artery and just medial to the occipital and atlantal condyles and the atlanto-occipital joint. The extreme lateral approach, as originally described, is a direct lateral approach deep to the anterior part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and behind the internal jugular vein along the front of the vertebral artery. Both approaches permit drilling of the condyles at the atlanto-occipital joint but provide a different exposure because of the differences in the direction of the approach. METHODS Fifteen adult cadaveric specimens were studied using a magnification of ×3 to ×40 after perfusion of the arteries and veins with colored silicone. The microsurgical anatomy of the extradural aspects of the CVJ and the two atlanto-occipital transarticular approaches were examined in stepwise dissections. RESULTS The far lateral atlanto-occipital transarticular approach provides excellent exposure of the extradural lesions located in the ipsilateral anterior and anterolateral aspects of the extradural region of the CVJ. The extreme lateral atlanto-occipital transarticular approach provides excellent exposure, not only on the side of the exposure, but also extending across the midline to the medial aspect of the contralateral atlanto-occipital joint and the lower clivus. CONCLUSION The far lateral and extreme lateral variants of the atlanto-occipital transarticular approach provide an alternative to the transoral approach to the anterior extradural structures at the CVJ. Compared with the transoral approach, both approaches provide a shorter operative route, avoid the contaminated nasopharynx, reduce the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and are not limited laterally by the atlanto-occipital joint.

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