The transcondylar approach and modifications

Abstract

The surgical technique utilized for the transcondylar approach includes lateral extension of the suboccipital craniotomy, drilling of the posteromedial one third of the occipital condyle, and removal of the posterior arch of the atlas. This enables access to the premedullary area and lower clivus in cases with VA-BA aneurysms, foramen magnum tumors, and others. Although the frequency of using this approach is not high, all neurosurgeons treating lesions around the foramen magnum should be familiar with this approach and its modifications.