How I do it: purely intracondylar approach to the hypoglossal canal for the treatment of an intracanalicular hypoglossal lesion

Background and importance: Lesions confined to the hypoglossal canal are rare, but may lead to invalidating symptoms. Moreover, extensive approaches to this region frequently require complex dissections and high surgical risks. We propose a minimally invasive approach specifically tailored to purely intracanalicular lesions of the hypoglossal canal. Clinical presentation: With the aid of operative images and anatomic dissection, we present a clinical case of such a lesion and describe a targeted surgical approach for treatment. Conclusion: For lesions purely confined to the hypoglossal canal, a tailored intracondylar approach is feasible and may, in selected cases, reduce surgical times and complications.