Method and devices for a sub-splenius / supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique

摘要

A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises
i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle;ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, andiii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle.

Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

主权项

1. A surgical procedure for a spine of a patient comprising:
incising the skin of the patient in the postero-lateral region of the cervical spine; moving the splenius capitis and trapezius muscles dorsally via one of a blunt instrument and a finger to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window is defined by:
i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle;ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, andiii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle; passing a device through the window; and manipulating at least a portion of the spine of the patient through the window; whereby after completion of the surgical procedure in the deep spine, there is no muscle reattachment required for the trapezius muscle, the splenius capitis muscle, and the levator scapulae muscle.