Overview The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) represents a unique feature of the spinal column with significant biomechanical, anatomic, and functional aspects because of the transition between the cervical and thoracic spine….
Overview Anterior lesions of the thoracic spine can present a challenging clinical scenario. Unlike the cervical spine, at which anterior approaches are commonplace, the generally unfamiliar surrounding anatomy can make…
Overview The anterior approach to the cervicothoracic spine can be technically challenging and requires precise knowledge of cervicothoracic regional anatomy and careful preoperative planning. A standard low-cervical approach can often…
Overview The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is the transition zone that connects the lower cervical spine to the proximal thoracic spine; it includes the lower brachial plexus, thoracic outlet, and superior…
Overview Traumatic injuries to the cervical spine represent a common and potentially devastating collection of injuries with significant clinical impact and a high rate of neurologic injury. The subaxial spine…
Overview Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can manifest as myelopathy, radiculopathy, or myeloradiculopathy. Calcification and thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) in this disease leads to reduction…
Overview Cervical corpectomy is a ventral cervical spine procedure for safe and effective neural decompression, deformity correction, and mechanical stabilization. The procedure typically involves removal of part or all of…
Overview Cervical laminoplasty is a surgical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) that increases the area of the spinal canal while preserving the…
Overview Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion is a well-established, commonly performed surgical procedure for cervical spondylosis. Since its introduction in the 1950s by Robinson and Smith and also Cloward, excellent…
Overview Although intense discussions persist in regard to which approach should prevail in treating pathology of the cervical spine, anterior approaches have become vastly more common and accepted over the…
