Complications of the anterior retropharyngeal surgical approach to the degenerative cervical spine

Anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach for decompression of neural structures is well known and considered as an effective surgical procedure. Opportunities for segment fusion or discoarthroplasty for motion preservation are granted. Both conceptions have their advantages and disadvantages separately from risks of the surgical approach. The aim of this study is to present and analyze the complications of the anterior retropharyngeal surgical approach to the degenerative cervical spine.