European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
-
The aim of this study was to determine a plain radiographic criterion for determining the feasibility of using the standard anterior Smith-Robinson supramanubrial approach for anterior surgery down to T2 or T3. ⋯ If a line from the intended skin incision to the LIV passes over the top of the manubrium, a standard Smith-Robinson approach without sternotomy can be successfully used.
-
Recently, several authors have proposed techniques for improving the fusion rate in pediatric posterior occipitocervical fusion including a variety of implants and the use of bone morphogenetic protein. A technique by Koop et al. using a periosteal flap for occipitocervical arthrodesis was described in 1984. ⋯ In small children with traumatic upper cervical spine instability, the periosteal turndown technique may be used as a safe adjunct for occipitocervical fusions.