To compare the complication profile of a muscle splitting approach to the anterior cervical spine with previously described approaches.

The authors describe and compare the complications of an approach that exposes the anterior cervical spine by directly splitting the strap muscles in the midline with blunt dissection thereby potentially reducing iatrogenic complications.

A retrospective review of 62 operations to the anterior cervical spine, between 2002 and 2009. Indications: Fusion and arthroplasty procedures for brachalgia, axial neck pain and trauma.

The postoperative complications.

The complication rate was favourable compared to previously described approaches.

The muscle splitting approach to the anterior cervical spine has a low complication rate compared to previously described approaches, and allows the cervical spine to be approached with blunt dissection thereby potentially minimising iatrogenic approach related complications.