Global spine journal
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Global spine journal · Jun 2019
Avoiding the Esophageal Branches of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Retractor Placement: Precluding Postoperative Dysphagia During Anterior Approaches to the Cervical Spine.
Anatomical cadaver study. ⋯ The esophageal branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve have been poorly described and could contribute to complications such as swallowing dysfunction following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures. Therefore, a better understanding of their anatomy is important for spine surgeons. Our study revealed that these branches are always present on both sides and the anterior surface of the esophagus should be avoided while retracting it in order to minimize the risk of postoperative dysphagia.
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Global spine journal · Jun 2019
Dispersal Pattern of Injectate After Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection Evaluated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Prospective, nonrandomized, clinical study. ⋯ Fluoroscopy-guided cervical interlaminar ESI resulted in nearly uniform circumferential dispersal within the epidural space with multilevel migration in the cranial and caudal directions. MRI is a safe and accurate tool to evaluate spinal injectate dispersal.