Intraoperative ultrasound for monitoring anterior cervical vertebrectomy

The authors describe the use of intraoperative ultrasonography with a small high-frequency (15 mHz) probe for evaluation of the extent of lateral bone removal during anterior cervical vertebrectomy. The relationship of the bone resection margins to the lateral aspect of the spinal cord was visualized. Postoperative computerized tomography scans revealed the extent of bone removal to be similar to that demonstrated by ultrasound. Intraoperative ultrasonography may be useful during anterior cervical surgery to assure adequate decompression of the spinal canal and spinal cord.