Daniel K Resnick1, Edward C Benzel. 1. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. resnick@neurosurg.wisc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Transarticular screw fixation of the C1-C2 complex provides immediate rigid fixation of the unstable spine. The technique is not feasible in a certain proportion of patients because of the position of the vertebral artery or the patient's body habitus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The authors describe a rigid screw technique for the surgical treatment of a woman who was excluded as a candidate for C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation. TECHNIQUE: C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation was achieved using a fixed moment arm cantilever beam system. This system provided immediate rigid fixation of the C1-C2 complex in a patient who was not a candidate for transarticular screw fixation. CONCLUSION: This technique is technically more forgiving than posterior transarticular screw fixation and may be applied to a broader spectrum of patients.
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Transarticular screw fixation of the C1-C2 complex provides immediate rigid fixation of the unstable spine. The technique is not feasible in a certain proportion of patients because of the position of the vertebral artery or the patient's body habitus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The authors describe a rigid screw technique for the surgical treatment of a woman who was excluded as a candidate for C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation. TECHNIQUE: C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation was achieved using a fixed moment arm cantilever beam system. This system provided immediate rigid fixation of the C1-C2 complex in a patient who was not a candidate for transarticular screw fixation. CONCLUSION: This technique is technically more forgiving than posterior transarticular screw fixation and may be applied to a broader spectrum of patients.
Authors: Florian Fensky; Rebecca A Kueny; Kay Sellenschloh; Klaus Püschel; Michael M Morlock; Johannes M Rueger; Wolfgang Lehmann; Gerd Huber; Nils Hansen-Algenstaedt Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2013-12-31 Impact factor: 3.134