Quantitative evaluation of different far lateral approaches to the cranio-vertebral junction using the microscope and the endoscope: a cadaveric study using a tumor model

Background Several far lateral approaches have been proposed to deal with cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) tumors including the basic, transcondylar, and supracondylar far lateral approaches (B-FLA, T-FLA, and S-FLA). However, the indications on when to use one versus the other are not well systematized yet. Our purpose is to evaluate in an experimental cadaveric setting which approach is best suited to remove tumors of different sizes.