ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR APPROACHES TO CERVICAL SPINE / SAFE Anesthesiologist Series [Surgical Aspects For Empowering Anesthesiologist]

ANTERIOR APPROACH TO CERVICAL SPINE

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✔️ADVANTAGES

Easy access to disc

Little pain

Evacuate disc

Fusion by plate or graft

✖️DISADVANTAGES 

Multiple levels difficult 

May require fusion if unstable

Loss of mobility 

Risk of injury to adjacent structures

POSTERIOR APPROACH TO CERVICAL SPINE

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✔️ADVANTAGES

Access to multiple levels

Direct visualisation of root

Fusion is usually not required

✖️DISADVANTAGES 

Risk of instability 

Poor access to disc space

Poor access to osteophytes

Higher risk of cord injury

Painful procedure

Ref: Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, 24/e