Supraclavicular Approach to a Lesion in the Cervico-Thoracic Junction

ABSTRACT

A lesion in the cervico-thoracic junction can be of interest to neurosugeons, not only because its incidence is quite low, but also because there is not a published proper anterior approach. Currently the authors have experienced two cases of degenerative disease and one case of traumatic dislocation of the cervico-thoracic junction, in which the main lesions were located in the interspace or posterior portion of vertebral bodies at the junction between the cervical and thoracic spines and an anterior approach to the lesions should be considered. A supraclavicular approach has applied to these cases, by which a good surgical field was obtained. Furthermore the surgical results were good without any serious complication.