Exploration of Musculoskeletal Diseases

Indication	Surgical approach	Recommendation
Dysphagia	Open	Anterolateral approach	The preferred approach given the ease of osteophyte removal and extended exposure from C2–T1
Transoral approach	Indicated when exposure to the lower clivus or level C1 is needed
Vertebral fractures	Open	Posterior approach	The preferred approach for the cervical and thoracolumbar spine
Combined anterior and posterior approach	Recommended in patients with unstable B- and C-type cervical fractures
Anterior approach	Generally not recommended due to high failure rates
Minimally invasive	Posterior approach	Suitable for neurologically stable patients with vertebral fractures

Indication

Surgical approach

Recommendation

Dysphagia

Open

Anterolateral approach

The preferred approach given the ease of osteophyte removal and extended exposure from C2–T1

Transoral approach

Indicated when exposure to the lower clivus or level C1 is needed

Vertebral fractures

Open

Posterior approach

The preferred approach for the cervical and thoracolumbar spine

Combined anterior and posterior approach

Recommended in patients with unstable B- and C-type cervical fractures

Anterior approach

Generally not recommended due to high failure rates

Minimally invasive

Posterior approach

Suitable for neurologically stable patients with vertebral fractures