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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2019; 80(06): 494-497
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1685182
Surgical Technique
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Simple Retractor for Anterior Cervical Diskectomy

Behzad Eftekhar
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Nepean Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

06 August 2018

17 October 2018

Publication Date:
13 August 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Background The insertion of available cervical retractor systems is relatively complex for the limited exposure required for single-level anterior cervical diskectomy.

Objective To introduce a novel cervical retractor system and report the initial experience of its application.

Methods A simple retractor system was designed that is fixed to the vertebral body through Caspar pins. The design allows the retractor to move with the vertebrae during distraction via the traditional Caspar distractor system. The advantages and limitations of the device based on the initial experience are discussed.

Results The author has used the current version of the retractor on 32 single-level anterior cervical diskectomies. The insertion of the retractor is easy, and its application provides safe and satisfactory anterior cervical exposure. There have not been related complications, although transient dysphagia has not been prevented.

Conclusion This newly designed retractor system is simple and efficient for a single-level anterior cervical diskectomy, and its insertion is relatively easy.

Keywords

cervical diskectomy - spinal surgery - retractor