Posterior approach to the cervical spine

The skin and subcutaneous tissue may be infiltrated with a 1:500,000 epinephrine solution to achieve hemostasis.

The exact location of the incision is identified using a C-arm and marked.

A midline skin incision is made centered over the involved segment.

The dissection is carried down in the midline through the subcutaneous tissue and the fascia to the tips of the spinous processes.

The dissection should be carried down through the midline to decrease bleeding.

It is necessary to confirm the vertebral level with fluoroscopy as soon as bony structures are visible. This is done prior to any further dissection.

Self-retaining retractors are used to maintain tension on soft tissues during exposure.

The paraspinal muscles are elevated subperiosteally from the underlying laminae, using a Cobb elevator. Dissection is performed along the spinous processes, lamina, and lateral mass (bilaterally).

The use of a subperiosteal dissection minimizes bleeding and muscle damage.

During exposure, care is taken not to injure the facet joint capsule from the proximal or distal joints, as this might lead to unintended joint fusion or degeneration.

Drains are usually inserted via a separate stab incision.

Once the surgical fixation and decompression have been performed, the muscles are approximated using interrupted sutures.

Note: If the fascia is closed without a previous muscle approximation, a dead space may be created. This should be avoided.

The fascial layer is then closed with continuous or interrupted sutures.

At the time of writing this text, there are several articles showing that the use of vancomycin powder prior to closure may decrease infection rate.

The subcutaneous layers and skin are sutured.