Fully endoscopic transoral resection of high cervical osteophyte. How I do it?

BACKGROUND

Fully endoscopic transoral approaches (FETOA) constitute a reasonable option for the treatment of middling compressive pathology that involve the craniocervical junction and higher cervical levels.

METHODS

We describe, step by step, the FETOA for the treatment of upper cervical lesions. More specifically, the ones that are located between C1 and C3. A giant anterior C1-C2 osteophyte resection will be used as an illustration of these approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique represents a minimally invasive treatment option for these kinds of high cervical lesions. It offers optimal visualization, maximizing the resection of these lesions and decreasing the morbidity and mortality.