Anterior approach to remove a pre-medullary meningioma in the cervical spine: Technical case report

Abstract

Background: Regarding their relation to the spinal cord (SC), resection of pre-medullary meningiomas may be technically challenging. Anterior approach via corpectomy represents a nice option reducing the need for mobilization of the SC.

Case description: We describe the case of a patient presenting with a cervical meningioma, located anterior to the SC and operated on through an anterior approach. Surgery consisted of a 2-levels discectomy and C7 corpectomy, midline opening of the dura and then microsurgical resection of the tumor. After coagulation of the implantation base, the dura was then closed in a watertight fashion. Finally, the anterior column was reconstructed using a titanium mesh-cage and anterior plating.

Conclusion: In the case of cervical meningioma located anterior to the SC, anterior approach may be considered as an alternative option to remove the tumor.

Keywords: Anterior approach; Cervical corpectomy and fusion; Cervical tumor; Meningioma; Spinal cord.