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The anterior approach to the cervical spine is an optimal procedure for access in surgery for cervical spine disease. First described in 1950, this procedure has proven to be reliable and continues to gain popularity in both neurosurgical and orthopedic practice. In recent years, otolaryngologists are increasingly called upon to perform or assist in exposure of the cervical spine, especially for cases involving revision procedures. A comprehensive Medline search and review of otolaryngology surgical references, however, revealed that little has been published in the otolaryngology literature to describe a safe and effective technique for performing this increasingly important surgical procedure. We report our experience with patients requiring spine exposure by this approach and describe a reliable technique for exposure of the anterior cervical spine.Methods: We present our experience in 30 consecutive patients who underwent an anterior approach to the cervical spine for primary neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures. Furthermore, we review the literature regarding this approach with special consideration of the anatomy and potential complications reported in literature.Results: Our results reveal no permanent complications attributable to this procedure, without any instances of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or hematoma. Immediate complaints of incisional pain resolve, and long-lasting cutaneous numbness is ultimately well tolerated. Conclusion:The anterior approach to the cervical spine is a safe and effective technique for exposure of the cervical spine and is the procedure of choice for surgical manipulation in the treatment of anterior cervical spine disease.

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Facial injuries caused by camels can be associated with adverse long-term effects on patients’ quality of life. We aimed to investigate camel-related facial injuries in Al-Ain City, UAE, focusing on their incidence, types, mechanisms, anatomical distribution, and outcomes, to enhance preventive measures. We retrospectively collected data from all patients who were admitted to our hospital with camel-related facial injuries from January 2014 through January 2021. Thirty-six patients were included; all were males, with a mean (range) age of 31 (14–66) years, 29 (80.5%) were camel caregivers. The most common mechanisms of injury were falling while riding a camel and camel kicks. The head was the most commonly injured region in 52.7%. Twenty-three (63.8%) patients had facial bone fractures. The middle third of the face accounted for 71.4% of the bony fractures. The most performed surgical procedures in our patients were soft tissue laceration repair and open reduction with internal fixation of fractures (ORIF). Camel-related facial injuries affect young adult male camel caregivers working on camel farms. Orbital and maxillary bone fractures are the most predominant fractures requiring operative management. Legislation for compulsory helmet usage may reduce the incidence of these injuries and their serious consequences.

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