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Skull Base 2008; 18(1): 029-047
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994292
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Proposed Classification for the Transbasal Approach and Its Modifications

Iman Feiz-Erfan1 , 2 , 3 , Robert F. Spetzler1 , Eric M. Horn1 , 4 , Randall W. Porter1 , Stephen P. Beals5 , Salvatore C. Lettieri6 , Edward F. Joganic5 , Franco DeMonte2
  • 1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • 3Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 4Department of Neurosurgery, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 5Southwest Craniofacial Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • 6Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 November 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The transbasal approach offers extradural exposure of the anterior midline skull base transcranially. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including trauma, craniofacial deformity, and tumors. This approach has been modified to enhance basal access. This article reviews the principle differences among modifications to the transbasal approach and introduces a new classification scheme. The rationale is to offer a uniform nomenclature to facilitate discussion of these approaches, their indications, and related issues.

KEYWORDS

Frontal fossa - skull base - subcranial - subfrontal - transbasal

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