Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2022 , Vol 32 , Num 3
Anterior Techniques Used in the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathies due to Cervical Disc Herniation- Cervical Anterior Foraminotomy
Erkin SÖNMEZ1
1Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Ankara, Türkiye Cervical anterior foraminotomy (CAF) is an anterior cervical surgical technique that aims to decompress intervertebral foramina and the lateral aspects of the cervical spine. This technique consists of obtaining neural decompression by opening a limited bony window at the level of the uncovertebral joint without disrupting the intervertebral disc. Thus, neither immobilization nor bony fusion is needed postoperatively since the intervertebral disc remains intact. It should be kept in mind that wide decompression can cause overt instability. So, it is better to keep the bony window large enough to obtain neural decompression but small enough to avoid causing instability. It is obvious that surgical experience and efficient high-speed drill skills are very important in the CAF technique. Anahtar Kelimeler : Cervical, Intervertebral disc, Uncovertebral joint, Intervertebral foramen