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A technical case report on use of tubular retractors for anterior cervical spine surgery

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Abstract

Purpose

The authors put-forth this technical report to establish the feasibility of performing an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and a two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a minimally invasive approach with tubular retractors.

Methods

First case: cervical spondylotic myelopathy secondary to a large postero-inferiorly migrated disc treated with corpectomy and reconstruction with a mesh cage and locking plate. Second case: cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy treated with a two-level ACDF. Both cases were operated with minimally invasive approach with tubular retractor using a single incision. Technical aspects and clinical outcomes have been reported.

Results

No intra or post-operative complications were encountered. Intra-operative blood loss was negligible. The patients had a cosmetic scar on healing. Standard procedure of placement of tubular retractors is sufficient for adequate surgical exposure with minimal invasiveness.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive approach to anterior cervical spine with tubular retractors is feasible. This is the first report on use of minimally invasive approach for ACCF and two-level ACDF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Mumbai Spine Scoliosis and Disc Replacement Center, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Center, Room No-206, Marine Lines, Mumbai, 400002, India

    Arvind G. Kulkarni, Ankit Patel & N. V. Ankith

Authors
  1. Arvind G. Kulkarni
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  2. Ankit Patel
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  3. N. V. Ankith
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arvind G. Kulkarni.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Kulkarni, A.G., Patel, A. & Ankith, N.V. A technical case report on use of tubular retractors for anterior cervical spine surgery. Eur Spine J 27, 1454–1459 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5423-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5423-x

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