Odontoid-sparing transnasal approach for drainage of craniocervical epidural abscess; a novel technique and review of the literature

摘要

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Surgical approaches to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are challenging. Available approaches include posterior, transoral, endonasal, and anterior extended retropharyngeal approach. Resection of the odontoid process is necessary to gain access to the pathology posterior to it. The resultant cranio-atlanto-axial instability usually necessitates subsequent posterior stabilization.