A newly developed drill with a polished tip for the anterior cervical approach in spinal canal stenosis: a technical note.

PURPOSE: The goal of our efforts was to develop a modified drill that allows a safe milling of the dorsal osteophytes located close to the dura.

METHODS

Usually a normal high-speed drill is used for the resection of uncarthrotic and spondylophytic bone. In one patient, we used our new high-speed drill close to the dura in an area, which is not easy reachable with a normal drill or a rongeur.

RESULTS

Employing the new drill with a polished tip, the spine surgeon is able to overcome the anatomical restrictions, which he has to face when the anterior approach to the cervical spine. The resection of dorsal osteophytes is easy and safe.

CONCLUSION

The newly developed drill with the polished tip is a safe and high-quality alternative to conventional drills. Further investigations have to be done, to proof the advantages of the new drill.