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Extreme Lateral Approach to the Craniovertebral Junction: An Update

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Book cover New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery

Part of the book series: Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement ((NEUROCHIRURGICA,volume 125))

Abstract

Introduction:The term ‘extreme lateral approach’ (ELA) was first introduced by Sen and Sekhar relatively recently (in 1990). Its definition varies and remains controversial, but it generally entails more aggressive bony removal than the far lateral approach (FLA).

Goal: In this paper we review the relevant literature and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. We propose methods to manage the complications resulting from the more invasive character of the ELA. Some modern trends regarding how to definitely distinguish the ELA from the FLA are also presented.

Methods: Using the PubMed database, literature was collected on the relevant topics and subsequently reviewed. All up-to-date tips and tricks were carefully gathered, and current morbidity and mortality rates were obtained, as well as further perspectives.

Results and Conclusion: The morbidity associated with the ELA remains higher than that associated with the FLA, but the mortality nowadays is comparable. The ELA undoubtedly is a challenging procedure requiring deep insight into the relevant anatomy and its normal variants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alshafai Neurosurgical Academy (ANA), Toronto, ON, Canada

    Nabeel S. Alshafai & Tomasz Klepinowski

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

    Tomasz Klepinowski

Authors
  1. Nabeel S. Alshafai
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  2. Tomasz Klepinowski
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Neurosurgery, Rome, Italy

    Massimiliano Visocchi

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Alshafai, N.S., Klepinowski, T. (2019). Extreme Lateral Approach to the Craniovertebral Junction: An Update. In: Visocchi, M. (eds) New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery. Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement, vol 125. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_25

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62514-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62515-7

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