Platysma sparing approach to anterior cervical spine surgery: A less exposure surgery technique

Abstract Introduction Authors aim to demonstrate the surgical technique and outcomes of using a platysma sparing approach to anterior cervical spine surgery. Methods Medical records of 496 prospective patients, group 1 (259 patients) with an outpatient platysma muscle-sparing approach. Group 2 (237 patients) with inpatient standard muscle-splitting approach. Results Intergroup comparison showed statistical significant improvement in VAS neck and NDI scores p = 0.009 and p = 0.012 and surgical operative time and estimated blood loss, p = 0.003 and p = 0.006 respectively. Conclusion This anatomy sparing technique demonstrates a safe, effective and reproducible approach to cervical spine surgery which is a goal of less exposure surgery philosophy.