Fig. 1

Schematic diagram of operative procedures were shown. a The patient was in a supine position with slight cervical extension. b Anterior cervical transverse skin incision was made. c Intraoperative positioning was performed with a C-arm machine. d The lesion was removed endoscopically. e Posterior fixation and bone grafting. f Schematic showing the use of the tubular retractor, which is placed against the anterior cervical spine via an anterolateral approach, and serves as a working channel for instruments and an endoscope