• Gregory S McLoughlin, Daniel M Sciubba, Ian Suk, Ali Bydon, Timothy Witham, Jean-Paul Wolinsky, and Ziya L Gokaslan.
• Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. greg.mcloughlin@shaw.ca
• J Spinal Disord Tech. 2010 Jul 1; 23 (5): 359-65.

Study DesignThis illustrative case report is designed to provide technical data regarding the use of a posterior approach to resect a retropharyngeal chordoma involving the craniovertebral junction.ObjectiveThe objective of this report is to emphasize the utility of the posterior approach when treating anterior tumors of the craniovertebral junction.Summary Of Background DataTraditionally, a transoral transpharyngeal or extended anterior approach was used to resect anterior tumors of the craniovertebral junction. These approaches have several limitations unique to these exposures, limitations not applicable to a posterior midline cervical approach.MethodsA case report is provided that illustrates the use of a posterior cervical approach used to resect a retropharyngeal craniovertebral junction chordoma.ResultsGross total resection of a retropharyngeal chordoma was achieved using a posterior cervical approach. Although local tumor recurrence did occur, this was resected and adjuvant radiotherapy prescribed. This resulted in an ongoing 4-year recurrence free survival.ConclusionsThe posterior cervical midline exposure could be used to dissect and remove anterior retropharyngeal tumors, with minimal morbidity.

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