The transoral-transclival surgical approach is the most direct operative approach to pathology ventral to the brain stem and superior spinal cord. In selected patients, this approach is efficacious in the treatment of extradural compressive lesions from the cervicomeduUary junction to the C-4 vertebra.

What is transoral odontoidectomy?

Transoral odontoidectomy is a traditional technique to treat congenital basilar invagination (BI) associated with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). Although posterior surgery has been a trend to treat most cases, there are still cases that need to be treated through a transoral approach.

What does Odontoid process represent?

Definition of odontoid process : a toothlike process projecting from the anterior end of the centrum of the axis vertebra on which the atlas vertebra rotates.

Is the Odontoid process anterior or posterior?

The odontoid process lies anterior to the spinal cord and is used as the pivot for the rotation of the head. The C1 vertebra, carrying the cranium, rotates on this.

What is Platybasia?

Platybasia is an abnormality of the base of the skull, literally flattening of the skull base. It may be developmental in origin or due to softening of the skull base bone, allowing it to be pushed upward (see Basilar Invagination).

What is the function of the Odontoid?

The odontoid process provides a pivot point — called an axis of motion — around which the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotate, twist and/or turn (these are really all the same thing.)

What is an Odontoid process?

The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine.

What is Cervicomedullary Junction?

Cervicomedullary junction (CMJ), as the name implies is the region where the brainstem continues as the spinal cord. A lesion located in this region affects either the brainstem or cervical cord or both depending on its extent and pathology.

What is the Atlas in the neck?

In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck. It is named for Atlas of Greek mythology because, just as Atlas supported the globe, it supports the entire head.