L Giammattei1,2, P di Russo3, N Penet3,4, S Froelich3,4. 1. Neurosurgical Department, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France. lore1985nch@gmail.com. 2. Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France. lore1985nch@gmail.com. 3. Neurosurgical Department, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France. 4. Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The anterolateral approach (ALA) enables to access the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), lower and middle clivus, jugular foramen, and cervical spine from a lateral perspective. It is particularly indicated when dealing with extradural bone tumors. Other rare indications are represented by spondylotic myeloradiculopathy and vascular diseases. METHOD: We describe here the steps to safely perform an anterolateral approach along with a brief description of its indications and limits. CONCLUSION: ALA represents a valid option to treat cervical spine and CVJ bone tumors such as chordomas. Its knowledge can improve the process of approach selection when dealing with such complex cases.
BACKGROUND: The anterolateral approach (ALA) enables to access the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), lower and middle clivus, jugular foramen, and cervical spine from a lateral perspective. It is particularly indicated when dealing with extradural bone tumors. Other rare indications are represented by spondylotic myeloradiculopathy and vascular diseases. METHOD: We describe here the steps to safely perform an anterolateral approach along with a brief description of its indications and limits. CONCLUSION: ALA represents a valid option to treat cervical spine and CVJ bone tumors such as chordomas. Its knowledge can improve the process of approach selection when dealing with such complex cases.