Method and devices for a sub-splenius/supra-levator scapulae surgical access technique
A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.
1. A medical retraction instrument comprising:
a retractor comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, an interior portion and a flexible outer portion,
wherein the inner surface of the retractor comprises a light source and is configured to disperse light emitted by the light source to increase visibility of a working environment;
a strand connected to and extending from the retractor,
wherein the strand is adapted to transmit light to the inner surface of the retractor; and
a neuromonitoring electrode attached to the retractor and comprising an electrical cable,
wherein the medical retraction instrument is configured to retract a patient's skin away from a selected tissue in the working environment and create an operative space therebetween.
2. The medical retraction instrument of claim 1 , wherein an overall width and an overall length of the retractor define a substantially circular area.
3. The medical retraction instrument of claim 1 , wherein an overall width and an overall length of the retractor define a substantially oval area.