Objective To discuss the possibility of the minimally invasive design of far lateral approach exposing foramina magnum based on virtual reality anatomic model. Methods Image data of CT and MRI scans performed to fifteen adult cadaver heads （30 specimens） was inputted into Vitrea virtual reality system to establish three-dimensional anatomy model. Osseous landmark points on the calvaria and skull base were selected to outline cylinder simulating far lateral exposing foramina magnum. Minimally invasive design was made by reduce the size of cylinder. Anatomic exposures before and after design were observed and compared. Results Surgical routes before and after minimally invasive design avoided sigmoid sinus， jugular bulb and cerebellum. The route before minimally invasive design involved medullar with volume of （143.25±10.15） mm3 . However， the route following design avoid medullar. Comparison showed that volumes of the route， osseous structure， cranial nerve and artery following minimally invasive design were less than those before design ［（2 052.70±115.84）mm3 vs （8 346.80±122.98）mm3 ，（1 345.40±92.82）mm3 vs （4 291.00±111.81）mm3 ， （1.78±0.10）mm3 vs （52.23±0.82）mm3 ，（4.12±0.11）mm3 vs （163.95±9.92）mm3 ］， with statistical significance （P ＜ 0.01）. Conclusions Under the determined direction， reduction of surgical route size can reduce the injury， meanwhile， ensure exposure of anterior edge of foramina magnum for far lateral approach.