Abstract:

Objective　To provide basis of the applied anatomy basis for the anterolateral approach to cervical spine.　Methods　Ten cadavers were dissected, observed and measured through mimicing the right anterolateral approach to the cervical spine.　Results　The common carotid artery bifurcation was mostly found at the level of C4 (70%). The facial vein drained into the internal jugular vein mostly at the level of C3/4 (70%). Cervical sympathetic trunk was located posteromedial to carotid sheath and just anterior to the longus muscles. It extended longitudinally from the longus capitis to the longus colli over the muscles and under the prevertebral fascia. The average distance between the cervical sympathetic trunk and medial border of the longus colli muscle at C6 was (14.5±4.8) mm. The average diameter of the cervical sympathetic trunk at C6 was (2.6±1.2)mm. Superior ganglion of cervical sympathetic trunk in all dissections was located at the level of C2 vertebra. The length and width of the superior cervical ganglion were (11.9±2.5)mm and (7.4±4.2)mm, respectively. Forty percent of the middle ganglion was at the C5 level,  and 60%  was at C6 level, ; The the length and width of the middle cervical ganglion were (8.9±5.9)mm and( 5.1±3.2)mm. All of the vertebral artery arteries entered the transverse foramen of C6. The height and width of C5 uncinate process was were smallest but had the greatest distance from the medial edge of the uncinate process to the anterior tubercle (P<0.05).　Conclusions　Choosing anterolateral approach to the cervical spine approach could reach the lesion directly，causing less damage to the anterolateral transverse processes. This technique also allows through decompression, and preservation of cervical motion and spinal stability to the full extent.

Key words: Cervical spine, Applied anatomy, Anterolateral, Cervical spondylosis