OBLIQUE TRANSCORPOREAL APPROACH TO ANTERIORLY LOCATED LESIONS IN THE CERVICAL SPINAL-CANAL

The technique of obliquely drilling out the postero-lateral part of th e cervical vertebral bodies is described. It uses the antero-lateral ( retro carotico-jugular) approach to control and displace the vertebral artery postero-laterally and to expose the lateral aspect of the vert ebral bodies. It provides, through a wide field and with minimal retra ction of the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, an extensiv e view of the anterior aspect of the spinal cord. It has already been used to treat 15 anterior lesions compressing the spinal cord includin g neurinomas and osteophytes.