Microsurgical removal of anterolateral spinal lesions.

Lateral and anterior lesions of the cervical spine have posed many technical problems for the neurosurgeon, and a number of approaches have been advocated to solve these difficulties. Microsurgical techniques combined with hemilaminectomy and facetectomy have improved results in cases of anterolateral lesions of the spine. This technique has been especially helpful in treating lesions in the cervical area because it permits exposure of the vertebral artery and the dissection of lesions from the wall of an intact artery.