Anatomic basis and application experience of the puncture technique through anterolateral cervical approach / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the anatomical basis,safty and manipuility of the puncture technique through anterolateral cervical approach.Methods Twenty two embalmed cadavers and 50 patients who underwent operation through anterolateral cervical approach were used to observe the cervical anatomical characteristics.During the cadaver dissection and operation,the following information was observedthe movement of the carotid sheath while the visceral sheath was pushed left,the features of interspace between the two sheaths at each cervical level,the movement of the esophagus and the interfascial space in which the esophagus moved while the trachea was pushed medially,and the movement of the carotid sheath while it was pushed medially and laterally.From January 2007 to December 2011,206 patients diagnosed as cervical discogenic pain or cervical vertigo were treated by radiofrequency using puncture technique through anterolateral cervical approach,including 93 males and 113 females,aged from 22 to 71 years (average,48years).A total of 434 discs were involved.Results Both in cadaver dissection and in operation,the following results were observedthere was no natural interspace between the carotid sheath and visceral sheath below the C4 level,as a result,manual separation was needed to create a interspace between the two sheaths for the puncture; the two layers of the prevertebral fascia could be separated easily; keeping the visceral sheath intact,the esophagus moved following the trachea when the latter was pushed medially,and the movement of the visceral sheath relative to the cervical vertebra occurred between the two layers of prevertebral fascia; the carotid sheath was primarily constituted by continuation of the prevertebral fascia,as a result,the movement of the carotid sheath was limited by its own tension and the prevertebral fascia.A total of 434 cases of puncture to cervical disc were performed smoothly with no complications related to the carotid artery,esophagus and cervical disc.Conclusion The puncture technique through anterolateral cervical approach requires a correct,thorough understanding of the anterior cervical anatomy,based on which this technique is safe and feasible.