The debate regarding the anterior versus the posterior approach remains a hot topic. Although the literature supports the successful management of several cervical spinal conditions using either approach, it seems logical to approach the cervical spine from the direction where the majority of the pathology is. One issue to keep in mind when considering these two approaches is that anterior decompression usually involves fusion, whereas posterior decompression may not. An important question to be addressed when considering an anterior versus a posterior approach to the cervical spine is whether there is spinal instability. White and Panjabi defined spinal stability as the ability of the spinal column to tolerate physiologic loads without initial or additional neurologic deficit, incapacitating pain, or major spinal deformity