Craniovertebral Junction

The original and definitive reference on surgery of the craniovertebral junction, now in an updated second edition. The craniovertebral junction, with a significant range of pathologies and anatomical complexities, continues to be a challenging area for surgeons. This new edition of Surgery of the Craniovertebral Junction focuses on surgical decision making and technological advances in the treatment modalities for this region. Written and edited by senior surgeons at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, this is a comprehensive text that spine and skull base surgeons will refer to often. A content-rich, interactive DVD containing cadaveric dissections, animations of surgical approaches and techniques, and a selection of short, narrated cases, is included with the book. Key Features: Contains new chapters on stereotactic radiosurgery, endovascular surgery, and endoscopic skull base techniques, ensuring that surgeons stay current Includes an interactive DVD with high-quality, compelling videos on anatomy and surgical methods, providing readers with visuals to aid in interpretation of the text Reflects the technological advances and innovative treatment modalities that have improved patient safety and efficacy rates for surgery involving this highly complex area Covers both open and minimally invasive surgical methods, enabling surgeons to hone their skills in both areas Surgery of the Craniovertebral Junction, Second Edition is the surgical resource every spine and skull base surgeon should have on their bookshelf.

This issue of Acta Neurochirururgica presents the latest surgical and experimental approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). It discusses anterior midline (transoral transnasal), posterior (CVJ craniectomy laminectomy, laminotomy, instrumentation and fusion), posterolateral (far lateral) and anterolateral (extreme lateral) approaches using state-of-the-art supporting tools. It especially highlights open surgery, microsurgical techniques, neuronavigation, the O-arm system, intraoperative MR, neuromonitoring and endoscopy. Endoscopy represents a useful complement to the standard microsurgical approach to the anterior CVJ: it can be used transnasally, transorally and transcervically; and it provides information for better decompression without the need for soft palate splitting, hard palate resection, or extended maxillotomy. While neuronavigation allows improved orientation in the surgical field, intraoperative fluoroscopy helps to recognize residual compression. Under normal anatomic conditions, there are virtually no surgical limitations to endoscopically assisted CVJ and this issue provides valuable information for the new generation of surgeons involved in this complex and challenging field of neurosurgery.

Written by masters in the field, The Craniovertebral Junction: Diagnosis, Pathology, Surgical Techniques provides in-depth coverage of up-to-date management principles for this delicate anatomic region.After a brief introduction to anatomy, biomedical considerations, and embryology, the multidisciplinary team of authors, led by Professor Goel, discusses in detail the most innovative fixation and stabilization techniques for atlantoaxial dislocation, as well as congenital,infective, and acquired anomalies in the craniovertebral junction region. Each concise chapter focuses on a single pathology to guide readers through the nuances of these intricate and demanding surgical procedures.Features Discusses in detail Professor Goel's groundbreaking treatment methods -- now accepted as standards in the field Covers state-of-the-art protocols and techniques, including alternative treatment protocols for irreducible and rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation and more Introduces a novel concept of craniovertebral realignment Over 1,000 high-quality drawings, radiographs, and full-color photographs demonstrate surgery and anatomy and enhance the text Contains a full section Casebook featuring 22 well-illustrated cases displaying a wealth of pathology Text is rounded out by practical advice on how to manage trauma, degenerative disorders, infections, and tumors This fully illustrated manual fills the current gap in craniovertebral junction literature with the clear, accessible information every neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and spine surgeon needs.

The specialized ligaments that connect the head to the spine have never before had a book dedicated to their anatomy and clinical relevance. Therefore, this book is unique and fills in a gap in the literature. Audiences with a strong interest in such a topic include radiologists, spine surgeons, anatomists, rehabilitation physicians and therapists. Additionally, trainees including students, residents and fellows in disciplines treating patients with diseases or trauma to the craniocervical (connection between the head and neck) junction will have a strong interest in the book. As the fine surgical anatomy involved in spine surgery has progressed greatly in recent year, knowledge of all detailed anatomical structures relevant to this field is important. Therefore, this book will satisfy the demand for a more detailed knowledge regarding this region of the body and will be welcomed and timely for all who are interested in the human spine.

This atlas documents current surgical approaches to the craniocervical junction and the cervical spine, providing step-by-step guidance on procedures and cervical spine stabilization techniques. Opening chapters present essential information on anatomy, depict pathologies with the aid of illustrative cases, describe the role of imaging techniques in patient evaluation, and discuss surgical instrumentation and patient positioning. The different techniques employed in this delicate anatomic region, including transnasal and transoral endoscopic approaches to the craniocervical junction and posterior and anterior approaches to the cervical spine, are then explained and illustrated with a view to providing the surgeon with a clear reference that can be used in the operating room. In addition, practical advice is offered on the treatment of potential complications, postoperative management, and rehabilitation. This book will be of value not only to neurosurgeons but also to orthopedists, ENT surgeons, neurologists, and physiatrists.

The craniovertebral junction is imaged on every brain, neck and cervical spine MR and CT study performed. This region has unique nomenclature, embryology, anatomy, vasculature, biomechanics and pathology. Surgical techniques are also used in this region that are distinctive, and related to the underlying complex anatomy. This book incorporates normal anatomy, embryology, specialized imaging techniques and the myriad of unique pathology which occurs in that region. Time-saving bulleted text and state-of-the art annotated radiographic and medical illustrations, this volume will be an resource for residents and fellows in radiology, neurosurgery, and orthopaedic surgery who deal with the skull base and craniocervical / craniovertebral junction.

An illustrative manual for general spine surgeons, this text atlas covers all currently available techniques of upper cervical spine and craniovertebral junction reconstruction. All the surgical risks and benefits are discussed and compared with the outcome of more than 300 surgeries of this region. The surgical procedures are demonstrated step-by-step in instructive drawings and illustrations describing the approach, technique of implant introduction and spine reconstruction. A special focus is on realtime and virtual navigation techniques as well as potential complications and their avoidance.