重建钢板螺钉在枕颈融合中的应用

目的：探讨重建钢板螺钉在枕颈融合中的应用效果。方法：回顾分析应用重建钢板螺钉固定行枕颈融合5例病人的临床资料和手术效果。结果：术中、术后无并发症发生，经5～18个月的随访，全部病例3个月达到骨性融合，未见钢板折断、拔钉、断钉等。JOA骨髓功能评分分别提高2～5分。结论：运用重建钢板行枕颈融合固定是一种较方便、牢固、经济的方法。     

枕颈钉板系统在枕颈融合中的应用

目的:评价颈椎经椎弓根螺钉固定行枕颈融合的临床效果,介绍应用方法。方法:利用颈椎椎弓根螺钉钢板系统,行枕颈融合11例,其中寰枢椎脱位6例(齿状突骨折不愈合4例,类风湿性关节炎2例),上中段颈椎椎管内肿瘤3例,枕颈部先天性畸形2例。结果:术后平均随访13个月(3个月~2年),所有患者植骨愈合牢固,临床症状显著改善,无脱钉、断钉等并发症。结论:利用枕颈板钉系统(occipitocervicalplate-screwssystems)行枕颈融合术固定坚强,临床效果理想,是枕颈融合可选用的内固定方法之一。     

枕颈CD内固定系统在枕颈融合术中的应用

目的:探讨枕颈CD内固定系统在枕颈融合术中的应用价值。方法:对11例因先天性发育畸形、陈旧性骨折脱位及肿瘤所致的上颈椎不稳者在行枕颈融合术的同时应用枕颈CD内固定系统行枕颈部内固定术。术后随访6～24个月（平均16个月）。结果:术后症状缓解,神经功能改善者占91％（10/11）,术后9个月植骨融合率达到100％。无内固定棒、钉断裂及脱钩现象,1例术后3个月出现枕骨部螺钉松动。结论:在行枕颈融合时应用枕颈CD内固定可获得术后枕颈部即刻稳定,防止植骨块移位,术后无需卧石膏床,植骨融合率高。     

枕颈内固定系统在枕颈融合术中的应用

目的：探讨枕颈内固定系统在枕颈融合术中的应用价值。方法：对23例因先天性发育畸形、陈旧性骨折脱位及肿瘤所致的上颈椎不稳者在行枕颈融合术同时应用枕颈内固定系统行枕颈部内固定术。术后进行6～24个月(平均22个月)随访。结果：术后症状缓解，神经功能改善者占91％(21／23)，术后9个月植骨融合率达到100％。无内固定棒钉断裂及脱钩现象，仅有1例术后3个月出现枕骨部螺钉松动。结论：在行枕颈融合时应用枕颈内固定具有可获得术后枕颈部即刻稳定，防止植骨块移位，术后无需卧石膏床和提高植骨融合率等优点。     

后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及枕颈融合术治疗上颈椎不稳27例临床分析

目的 探讨应用寰枢侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及枕颈融合术治疗上颈椎不稳的疗效.方法 对寰枢椎不稳27例患者采用寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉及枕颈融合治疗.结果 27例患者均经寰枢椎螺钉或枕颈融合内固定术,其中一例颅底凹陷患者一期行经口齿状突切除术,二期行枕颈融合术,27例患者无一例发生脊髓和椎动脉损伤.所有患者均获得随访,随访3 ～17个月,平均9个月.术后3个月JOA评分13.5 ～16.9分,平均15.2分,改善率为88.4％.植骨块全部融合,无内固定断裂、松动.结论 后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定及枕颈融合术具有稳定的三维固定效果,可用于治疗上颈椎不稳.     

重建钛板枢椎椎弓根螺钉及颗粒状植骨枕颈融合术

目的 探讨重建钛板螺钉及颗粒状自体松质骨植骨在枕颈融合中的应用。方法 2002年4月～2005年1月，选择枕颈区不稳定患者19例，年龄31～67岁；病程3个月～2年。其中枕寰枢椎复合畸形8例，陈旧性寰枢椎骨折脱位8例，类风湿性关节炎所致寰椎前脱位2例，枢椎齿状突肿瘤1例。JOA脊髓功能评分平均9．8分。使用重建钛板和枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定枕颈部，同时枕骨与枢椎后弓间颗粒状自体松质骨植骨。结果 术中、术后无并发症发生，切口Ⅰ期愈合。19例均获随访6个月～2年8个月，平均16个月，均获得了骨性融合。无神经血管损伤，无断钉、断板及内固定松脱。JOA脊髓功能评分平均达14．4分。结论 重建钛板枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定可靠，置入方便，自体颗粒状松质骨具有较高的融合率，在枕颈融合中效果满意。     

Axis系统枕颈固定融合术

为探讨和评估Axis内固定系统在枕颈融合中的临床效果,作运用Axis系统固定融合治疗4例严重的创伤性枕颈不稳患,并就术后并发症及融合、固定效果进行随访观察。结果显示4例均无神经系统并发症,固定牢固,3个月已获骨性融合,神经症状得以解除。作认为熟悉枕骨及颈椎解剖学特点是安全使用钉板行枕颈固定的保障。Axis内固定系统具较好的可折曲性,钉孔匹配好,方便枕颈部固定时钢板调整和选择最佳进钉位置,固定效果好。     

钢板螺钉内固定在枕颈融合中的应用

目的探讨钢板螺钉内固定在枕颈融合中应用的疗效。方法1999年3月-2003年7月，应用钢板螺钉内固定枕颈融合治疗难以复位的寰枢椎脱位并脊髓压迫11例，其中齿突陈旧性骨折并寰椎前脱位7例，齿突发育不良并寰椎后脱位4例。结果寰枢椎脱位获得不同程度的复位，脊髓压迫解除，神经功能明显改善，枕颈部3～5个月骨性融合。结论对于难以复位的寰枢椎脱位应用钢板螺钉内固定枕颈融合术，不但固定较牢固可靠、简便，有利于植骨融合，而且还有一定的复位作用。     

齿状突骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨齿状突骨折手术治疗的方法和临床效果。方法手术治疗齿状突骨折40例,行前路空心螺钉固定4例,环枢关节融合26例,枕颈融合10例。结果40例经2~60个月随访。齿状突骨折空心螺钉固定4例,3个月达骨性愈合,颈部屈伸旋转功能恢复正常;环枢关节融合的26例,3~5个月达到骨性融合;枕颈融合10例,融合时间3~10个月,颈部旋转功能明显受限。结论前路空心螺钉是治疗新鲜的Ⅱ型和浅Ⅲ型横形骨折的最佳方法。环枢椎椎弓根钉是目前治疗环枢关节不稳较好方法,CUF椎弓根钉系统具有放置方便、提拉复位与价廉的优点。伴环枢关节脱位又不能复位的患者行枕颈融合是必要的。     

枕颈腹侧病变行枕颈前、后方减压一期内固定手术

目的：探索和完善枕颈腹侧病变的手术治疗方法。方法：2001年1月－2002年6月采用经枕颈后外侧入路，枕颈前、后方减压的同时应用AO重建钢板行枕颈内固定、髂骨植骨融合术治疗枕寰区畸形伴寰枢脱位14例及陈旧性齿状突骨折伴寰枢脱位6例。结果：无手术后死亡和感染发生.19例术后感觉、运动功能均有不同程度改善;1例术后肢体运动障碍加重，术后2周开始恢复。平均随访6个月，内固定无松动，均获枕颈植骨融合。结论：枕颈腹侧病变经前、后方减压的同时应用重建钢板作枕颈固定植骨融合，术后枕颈部可获即刻稳定，有利于患者早期起床活动，并可促进枕颈部植骨的融合。     

Posterior occipitocervical reconstruction using cervical pedicle screws and plate-rod systems.

STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical results in 26 patients with lesions at the craniocervical junction that had been treated by occipitocervical reconstruction using pedicle screws in the cervical spine and occipitocervical rod systems. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of pedicle screw fixation in occipitocervical reconstructive surgery and to introduce surgical techniques. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many methods of occipitocervical reconstruction have been reported, but there have been no reports of occipitocervical reconstruction using pedicle screws and occipitocervical rod systems for reduction and fixation. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with lesions at the craniocervical junction underwent reconstructive surgery using pedicle screws in the cervical spine and occipitocervical rod systems. The occipitocervical lesions were atlantoaxial subluxation associated with basilar invagination, which was caused by rheumatoid arthritis in 19 patients and other disorders in 7. The lowest cervical vertebra of fusion in 16 patients was C2, and the remaining 10 patients underwent fusion downward from C3 to C7. Flexion deformity of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex was corrected by application of extensional force, and upward migration of the odontoid process was reduced by application of combined force of extension and distraction between the occiput and the cervical pedicle screws. RESULTS: Solid fusion was achieved in all patients except two with metastatic vertebral tumors who did not receive bone graft for fusion. Correction of malalignment at the craniocervical junction was adequate, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed improvement of anterior compression of the medulla oblongata. There were no neurovascular complications of cervical pedicle screws. CONCLUSIONS: Occipitocervical reconstruction by the combination of cervical pedicle screws and occipitocervical rod systems provided the high fusion rate and sufficient correction of malalignment in the occipitoatlantoaxial region. Results of this study showed the effectiveness of cervical pedicle screw as a fixation anchor for occipitocervical reconstruction.     

枢椎椎板螺钉在上颈椎后路固定术中的应用

目的探讨枢椎椎板螺钉固定术应用于上颈椎后路融合内固定术中的可行性。方法回顾性分析本院2012年1月—2014年12月在上颈椎后路融合固定术中采用枢椎椎板螺钉固定的19例患者资料,术中根据枢椎椎弓根是否存在缺如、细小等情况,选择置入双侧枢椎椎板螺钉或单侧枢椎椎板螺钉并对侧椎弓根螺钉,联合枕骨板螺钉和/或寰椎侧块螺钉。15例上颈椎畸形患者均有不同程度脊髓功能损害表现,日本骨科学会(JOA)评分为5~15分,平均11.5分。4例外伤性寰枢椎骨折患者有后颈部疼痛及活动障碍,疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分为2~7分,平均4.5分。术后复查患者影像学资料,观察内固定位置及植骨融合情况。结果所有手术顺利完成,未发生椎动脉、脊髓等损伤。术后复查CT,显示所有枢椎椎板螺钉位置良好,均未突破内侧皮质骨。随访时X线、CT示螺钉位置良好,无松动及断钉。所有患者术后12个月植骨均融合,上颈椎畸形患者神经功能均有不同程度改善,JOA评分为13~17分,平均15.3分。外伤性寰枢椎骨折患者颈部疼痛及活动障碍明显改善,VAS评分为0~2分,平均1.0分。结论枢椎椎板螺钉固定在上颈椎后路固定手术中方法简单安全、效果良好,对于无法行枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定的患者,枢椎椎板螺钉固定是一种安全有效的替代方法。     

Anterior cervical plate fixation with the titanium hollow screw plate system. A preliminary report

Morscher, of Switzerland, has developed an anterior cervical spine plate system (THSP) that does not require screw purchase of the posterior cortex. This design eliminates potential neurologic complications usually associated with the anterior plate system, but maintains the mechanical advantages of internal fixation. The authors reviewed 13 consecutive patients in whom the THSP system was applied. Indications for the use of this device included acute trauma in three patients, trauma of more than 6 weeks' duration in five patients, and spondylosis in five patients. Fifteen plates and 58 screws were placed, with no screws purchasing the posterior cortex. Postoperative immobilization varied from no immobilization to four-poster brace. With a mean follow-up of 13 months, all 13 patients went on to fusion. One patient had screws placed in the disc rather than in bone and went on to malunion. In all other patients, radiographs did not demonstrate screw migration, screw-bone lucency, graft dislodgement, or malunion. No patient suffered neurologic injury as a result of this device. The THSP system facilitates reliable fusion with minimal complications. Its use should be considered in multilevel anterior spine defects, posttraumatic cervical kyphosis, and cervical fractures with posterior disruption requiring anterior fusion.     

A free‐hand technique for pedicle screw placement in the lower cervical spine

Objective: To describe a free‐hand method for pedicle screw placement in the lower cervical spine with no intraoperative imaging monitors, and to evaluate the safety of this technique. Methods: A study of the free‐hand technique of cervical pedicle screw placement was conducted by postoperative radiological review and follow‐up. Thirty‐six patients who had had cervical reconstruction with posterior plate utilizing pedicle screw fixation, and been followed for a minimum of 2 years, were studied. The position of the pedicle screw was evaluated by postoperative oblique radiographs and axial computed tomograms. Clinical outcomes were measured by Odem's criteria. Results: A total of 144 screws of diameter 3.5 or 4.0 mm were inserted into the cervical pedicles in 36 patients. Postoperative images showed that 16 (11.1%) of the screws had penetrated the pedicle walls. Among them, 10 (6.9%) screws had penetrated the lateral, 4 (2.8%) the superior and 2 (1.3%) the inferior walls. However, there were no neurological or vascular complications related to the malpositioned screws during a minimum of 2 years follow‐up. In addition, Odem's scores were applied postoperatively in all patients except one with complete neurological deficit. Conclusion: Based on 144 screw placements, cervical pedicle screw insertion utilizing a free‐hand technique without intraoperative imaging guidance seems to be safe and reliable. However, solid knowledge of the anatomy of the cervical pedicle and adjacent neurovascular bundles, and careful preoperative review of cervical images, are imperative for successful screw placement in the cervical spine.     

前路钛钢板加钛网植骨内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病作用评价

目的：探讨前路钛钢板加钛网植骨内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的效果及意义，方法：总结1998年至2002年期间收治的25例有2-3个节段突出的脊随型颈椎病行前路椎体次全切术前路钛钢板加钛网植骨内固定术，结果：经平均12个月的随访，25例患者植骨全部融合，无钛网移位脱落，无螺钉松动，钢板断裂，神经功能得到了不同程度恢复。结论：应用前路钛钢板加钛网植骨内固定术治疗有2-3个节段突出的脊髓型颈椎病是安全有效的。     

一种新型枕颈内固定技术在创伤性枕颈区失稳手术中的应用

目的初步评价颅骨板障螺钉联合颈椎椎弓根螺钉技术在创伤性枕颈区失稳手术中的应用价值及安全性。方法对5例枕寰枢骨折脱位采用颅骨板障螺钉联合颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术实施枕颈融合。结果所有病例均未出现脊髓及颅脑、椎动脉损伤,平均手术时间128min,术中平均失血360ml;随访6~24个月,全部达到骨性融合,无内置物松动、脱落或断裂。2例颅神经损伤3个月后均恢复了发声和吞咽功能;6个月后所有患者恢复工作。结论应用颅骨板障螺钉联合颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术实施枕颈融合能够提供坚强的即刻稳定,是治疗创伤性枕颈区失稳安全有效的方法。     

Screw angulation affects bone-screw stresses and bone graft load sharing in anterior cervical corpectomy fusion with a rigid screw-plate construct: a finite element model study

Background contextAnterior corpectomy and reconstruction with bone graft and a rigid screw-plate construct is an established procedure for treatment of cervical neural compression. Despite its reliability in relieving symptoms, there is a high rate of construct failure, especially in multilevel cases.PurposeThere has been no study evaluating the biomechanical effects of screw angulation on construct stability; this study investigates the C4–C7 construct stability and load-sharing properties among varying screw angulations in a rigid plate-screw construct.Study designA finite element model of a two-level cervical corpectomy with static anterior cervical plate.MethodsA three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of an intact C3–T1 segment was developed and validated. From this intact model, a fusion model (two-level [C5, C6] anterior corpectomy) was developed and validated. After corpectomy, allograft interbody fusion with a rigid anterior screw-plate construct was created from C4 to C7. Five additional FE models were developed from the fusion model corresponding to five different combinations of screw angulations within the vertebral bodies (C4, C7): (0°, 0°), (5°, 5°), (10°, 10°), (15°, 15°), and (15°, 0°). The fifth fusion model was termed as a hybrid fusion model.ResultsThe stability of a two-level corpectomy reconstruction is not dependent on the position of the screws. Despite the locked screw-plate interface, some degree of load sharing is transmitted to the graft. The load seen by the graft and the shear stress at the bone-screw junction is dependent on the angle of the screws with respect to the end plate. Higher stresses are seen at more divergent angles, particularly at the lower level of the construct.ConclusionThis study suggests that screw divergence from the end plates not only increases load transmission to the graft but also predisposes the screws to higher shear forces after corpectomy reconstruction. In particular, the inferior screw demonstrated larger stress than the upper-level screws. In the proposed hybrid fusion model, lower stresses on the bone graft, end plates, and bone-screw interface were recorded, inferring lower construct failure (end-plate fractures and screw pullout) potential at the inferior construct end.     

Screw fixation via diploic bone paralleling to occiput table: anatomical analysis of a new technique and report of 11 cases

Several types of posterior approaches have been adopted for occipitocervical fusion. Prior to this study, Foerater et al. in 1927 used a fibular strut graft in the site between the occiput and the lower cervical spine to achieve fusion. Since then, various techniques including wrings, Hartshill loop, AO reconstructive plate, and AXIS occipital plate were described and used widely. As far as we know, all these techniques involve the screw placement vertical to the diploic bone; however none has ever addressed the feasibility of screw placement in occiput parallelling to the diploic bone. In our study, 30 dry specimens of human occiputs were measured manually using vernier calipers and protractors. The intradiploic screw was first supposed to be inserted inferiorly to the superior nuchal line (SNL) prominence. The entry point located at the superior edge of the SNL prominence. Afterward, the measurements of extracranial occiput in SNL area on midline and bilateral 15 mm to the midline saggital-cutting planes of the occiput were conducted. The thickness of the occipital bone at the location of SNL prominence, the entry point, the exit point and the screw orientation were measured, respectively. Afterward, 11 patients with craniocervical malformation were treated surgically using this alternative and their X-ray radiographs and CT scans were evaluated postoperatively. The data showed that the occipital at the site of SNL prominence was the thickest. The thickest point was external occipital protuberance (EOP), which was up to 14 mm. The thickness decreased gradually from the site of SNL to the superior border of surgical decompressed area. The actual length of screw channel was about 26 mm. The mean thickness for safe screw insertion ranged from 5.73 to 14.14 mm. A total of 22 intraocciput screws parallel to diploic bone were placed precisely, without injury to the cerebral and inner occipital venous sinus. The results confirm that occiput is available for holding intraocciput screw paralleling to diploic bone.     

Comparison of allograft to autograft in multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with rigid plate fixation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A relatively high pseudarthrosis rate is associated with multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Anterior plate fixation increases fusion rate in multilevel ACDF. A debate still exists between the effectiveness of allograft versus autograft in plated multilevel ACDF. PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of allograft versus autograft in fusion rate and clinical outcome in patients undergoing two- and three-level ACDFs with rigid anterior plate fixation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiographic and clinical review to assess fusion, risk factors and clinical outcome of 80 consecutive patients who underwent ACDF with rigid anterior plate fixation involving two and three levels with either allograft or autograft. PATIENT SAMPLE: There were 45 patients (56%) who had autogenous iliac crest tricortical grafts and 35 patients (44%) who received tricortical allograft with an average age of 49 years who were treated by multilevel ACDF with rigid anterior plate fixation at a single institution. Thirty-three Peak polyaxial (Depuy-Acromed, Rayham, MA), 26 Orion (Sofamor-Danek, Memphis, TN), 16 Atlantis (Sofamor-Danek, Memphis, TN) and 5 Synthes (Paoli, PA) anterior cervical plating systems were used. All patients underwent ACDF (61 two-level, 19 three-level) by a Smith Robinson technique. All patients had burring of the end plates, 2-mm distraction of the motion segment and graft countersunk 2 mm from the anterior vertebral border. Anterior cervical plate with unicortical screw purchase was used in all cases. Segmental screw fixation was performed in 46 patients. Soft collars were worn postoperatively for 3 to 4 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Follow-up lateral neutral, flexion and extension radiographs were used to assess fusion. The radiographs were reviewed by an independent blinded observer in assessing fusion grades between autograft versus allograft. Clinical outcomes were rated excellent, good, fair and poor based on Odom's criteria. METHODS: Fusion rate and postoperative clinical outcome were assessed in 80 patients who underwent two- or three-level ACDF with rigid anterior plate fixation. Additional risk factors were also analyzed. RESULTS: Radiographic fusion was assessed in all patients (mean, 16 months). Seventy-eight patients (97.5%) achieved solid arthrodesis. Pseudarthrosis occurred in two patients who had allograft for two-level and three-level fusions. Nonsegmental screws were used in the two-level nonunion case. Postoperative dysphagia developed in one two-level nonunion patient, and revision surgery was performed in the other nonunion three-level patient. Twenty-three patients were smokers, and 26 patients had work-related injuries. Clinical outcome (mean, 20 months) was excellent in 23, good in 48 and fair in 9 patients. No statistical significance was noted between demographics, history of tobacco use, graft-type, end plate preparation technique, intermediate segmental screws, plate-type, clinical outcome of fused and nonfused patients and presence of work-related injuries (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high fusion rate of 97.5% was obtained for multilevel ACDF with rigid plating with either autograft or allograft. In this study, nonunion occurred in patients with allograft but this difference was not statistically significant. Fusion was obtained in 97.8% of patients with segmental screw fixation and 97.1% with nonsegmental screw fixation. Nonsegmental screw fixation may contribute to less than adequate stability and contribute to a higher rate of nonunion, but such effects could not be discerned from this study. Excellent and good clinical outcome was noted in 88.8% of the patients. Proper patient selection and meticulous operative technique is essential to obtain high fusion rates and optimal clinical outcome, which is more important than graft type.