Decompression of the brain stem and superior cervical spine for congenital/acquired craniovertebral invagination: an interdisciplinary approach.

A transoropharyngeal/transpalatal approach to the clivus and anterior cervical spine in association with a midline labiomandibular glossotomy has proved successful in the treatment of craniovertebral instability. Nine cases at this institution between 1978 and 1986 were retrospectively reviewed. A head-and-neck surgeon, along with a neurosurgeon and/or orthopedic surgeon collaborated on these procedures. The indications, methods, operative techniques, results and postoperative complications are presented.