The far lateral approach for intra-dural anteriorly situated tumours at the craniovertebral junction.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the far lateral approach, without drilling of the occipital condyle, in the management of anterior intradural tumors at the craniocervical junction.

Methods: Ten patients suffering from foramen magnum tumors were operated upon via the far lateral approach without drilling of the occipital condyle. All patients underwent postoperative CT scan of the brain. An MRI and CT of the craniocervical junction were done 3 months postoperatively to assess the extent of tumor and bone removal respectively.

Results: The far lateral approach was found adequate for complete excision in eight out of ten cases of foramen magnum tumors. In the remaining two cases, the tumors were found adherent to the brain stem so complete excision was not done.

Conclusions: The far lateral approach (without drilling of the occipital condyle) proved adequate for excision of most cases of anteriorly situated foramen magnum tumors.