Complications and problems related to pedicle screw fixation of the spine

This retrospective study analyzes the complications and the problems developed during and after pedicle screw fixation in patients with spinal disorders and trauma. One hundred twelve patients were treated using the Cotrel-Dubousset pedicle screw fixation system for degenerative disease (57 patients), trauma (42 patients), infection (eight patients), and tumor (five patients) of the lumbar or thoracolumbar spine. The average age of the patients was 47 years and the average followup was 35 months. Forty-seven general complications were seen in 41 patients (36.5%). In addition, hardware failures were observed in 12 patients (10.7%), junctional problems were seen in five patients (4.5%), problems in the instrumented segments were seen in 39 patients (34.7%), and problems of balance occurred in five patients (4.5%). Although the rate of the reported complications was high, the final outcome of the patients was not affected significantly. Placement of the pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine is a technically demanding procedure. It should be used by experienced and qualified surgeons who are aware of the pitfalls associated with its use.     

Complications of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis using plate and screw fixation

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the complications associated with plate and screw fixation of thumb trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis and to compare these results with a previous report from our institution using K-wire fixation. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 26 trapeziometacarpal arthrodeses that used plate and screw fixation. The most common diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis and the average follow-up evaluation was 40 months. Nineteen patients were available for a clinical follow-up examination and radiographs. These results were compared with the previously published K-wire fixation group that consisted of 59 arthrodeses with an average follow-up period of 84 months. RESULTS: There were 2 (8%) painful nonunions. There were 6 (23%) hardware malpositions, most frequently associated with a screw in the trapeziotrapezoid joint. Seven (27%) arthrodeses had a second procedure, most commonly hardware removal. Twenty-one (81%) of the patients were satisfied and reported they would have arthrodesis again. In the K-wire fixation group 4 of 59 (7%) arthrodeses went on to nonunion and 2 of 59 required a secondary procedure; patient satisfaction was high (98%). CONCLUSIONS: K-wire and plate and screw fixation have comparable union rates. In the plate and screw fixation group, however, the satisfaction rate was lower and a second surgery was more common. We now recommend pin fixation when performing trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis.     

Intertrochanteric fracture of the hip. Comparison of nail-plate fixation and Ender's nailing

Between April 1979 and August 1983, 201 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the hip were admitted to Haife Medical Center (Rothschild), Israel. These patients were randomely divided into two groups: 104 patients underwent fixation with a compression screw and plate (Richard's Co.) and 97 patients underwent fixation with Ender's nails. The results of both groups were analyzed and evaluated clinically, economically, and socially. There were differences in operative time, incidence of infection, local complications, and functional capacity, but, on the other hand, no difference in the length of hospital stay. The perioperative mortality was significantly higher in the group that underwent fixation with Ender nails (seven to one), but the overall mortality was the same for both groups. The advantages of the Ender method are a quicker surgical procedure, diminished blood loss, and practically no risk of deep infection. The fixation with compression screw and plate assures a better anatomical reduction of the hip with fewer local complications and a better functional result, but carries a higher risk of infection.     

In vivo comparison of screw versus plate and screw fixation for first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis: does augmentation of internal compression screw fixation using a semi-tubular plate shorten time to clinical and radiologic fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)?

A retrospective analysis of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion in 26 consecutive patients (34 feet), treated between April 1998 and February 2002, comparing single compression screw versus a compression screw supplemented with a dorsal quarter tubular plate, was undertaken. The study aimed to assess whether or not plate augmentation of the single interfragmental compression screw lead to an earlier fusion. There were 18 women and 8 men with a mean age of 54.6 +/- 11.02 years and a mean follow-up of 2.9 +/- 1.1 years. Successful fusion was determined clinically and radiologically by means of identifying transarticular trabeculation. The overall incidence of fusion was 97.06% (33/34 fusions). Observed complications included 4 cases of superficial wound infection, each of which resolved with antibiotic therapy; 3 cases of paraesthesia involving the dorsomedial aspect of the big toe; and 2 cases of transfer metatarsalgia. Statistical analyses did not reveal any significant associations between the type of fixation and time to fusion, patient satisfaction, and complications. In regard to the methods of osteosynthesis compared in this investigation, the choice of first metatarsophalangeal fusion fixation can be determined based on surgeon's preference. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 2c.     

Less is more: lag screw only fixation of lateral malleolar fractures

Displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus are typically treated with plate osteosynthesis with or without the use of lag screws, and immobilisation in a plaster cast for up to 6 weeks. Fixation through a smaller incision with less metal, such as lag screw only fixation, would theoretically lead to decreased infection rates and less irritation caused by hardware. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits and success of lag screw only fixation of the lateral malleolus in non-comminuted oblique fractures of the lateral malleolus. A total of 25 patients who had non-comminuted unstable oblique fractures of their lateral malleolus that had been surgically fixed with lag screws only were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were younger than 60 years of age. Evaluation of the success of fixation, complications, resultant mobility and patient satisfaction was based on information gathered from chart reviews, X-ray findings and a standardised questionnaire based on the AOFAS Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire. These results were compared to an age-matched group of 25 consecutive patients treated with plate osteosynthesis. Of the 25 patients fixed with lag screws, nine had an unstable fracture of the lateral malleolus only, ten were bimalleolar fractures and six were trimalleolar. Eighteen patients were treated with two lag screws, and seven were treated with three lag screws. The bi- and trimalleolar fractures were treated with standard partially threaded cancellous screws. None of the lag screw-only group lost reduction. There were no documented wound infections in the lag screw group as compared to three deep infections in the plate group. Lag screw-only patients reported no palpable hardware as compared to 50% of the plate group. AOFAS scores at a mean of 12 months post-operative were similar in both groups. Lag screw only fixation of the lateral malleolus is a safe and effective method that has a number of advantages over plate osteosynthesis, in particular less soft tissue dissection, less prominent, symptomatic and palpable hardware and a reduced requirement for secondary surgical removal.     

Intertrochanteric fracture of the hip comparison of Nail-plate fixation and Ender's nailing

Summary Between April 1979 and August 1983, 201 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the hip were admitted to Haife Medical Center (Rothschild), Israel. These patients were randomely divided into two groups: 104 patients underwent fixation with a compression screw and plate (Richard's Co.) and 97 patients underwent fixation with Ender's nails. The results of both groups were analyzed and evaluated clinically, economically, and socially. There were differences in operative time, incidence of infection, local complications, and functional capacity, but, on the other hand, no difference in the length of hospital stay. The perioperative mortality was significantly higher in the group that underwent fixation with Ender nails (seven to one), but the overall mortality was the same for both groups. The advantages of the Ender method are a quicker surgical procedure, diminished blood loss, and practically no risk of deep infection. The fixation with compression screw and plate assures a better anatomical reduction of the hip with fewer local complications and a better functional result, but carries a higher risk of infection.     

Atlantoaxial fixation using plate and screw method: a report of 160 treated patients

OBJECTIVE: We review our experience with the use of the plate and screw method of fixation in the treatment of 160 patients with atlantoaxial instability during a 14-year period at our center. We previously described this method of fixation in 1994. METHODS: Between 1988 and 2001, 160 patients with atlantoaxial instability were treated with the use of a plate and screw method of fixation at the Department of Neurosurgery at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Bombay, India. The study group was composed of 91 males and 69 females (mean age, 23 yr; age range, 18 mo-79 yr). Atlantoaxial instability was a result of congenital abnormality in 132 patients (83%) and occurred after trauma in 28 patients (17%). All patients had mobile, completely reducible atlantoaxial dislocation. For 3 months postoperatively, a hard cervical collar was used. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range, 4 mo-14 yr). RESULTS: Three patients died in the postoperative phase. Successful stabilization of the atlantoaxial region was documented with dynamic radiography in the other 157 patients. There was no incidence of implant rejection. In one patient, one screw was found to be broken 18 months after surgery; however, firm bony fusion was documented in this patient. There were no neurological, vascular, or infective complications. CONCLUSION: The plate and screw method of fixation with the use of intra-articular bone grafts in patients with atlantoaxial instability yielded a 100% fusion rate with a low incidence of complications.     

Atlantoaxial stabilization with the use of C1-3 lateral mass screw fixation. Technical note

Atlantoaxial stabilization has evolved from simple posterior wiring to transarticular screw fixation. In some patients, however, the course of the vertebral artery (VA) through the axis varies, and therefore transarticular screw placement is not always feasible. For these patients, the authors have developed a novel method of atlantoaxial stabilization that does not require axial screws. In this paper, they describe the use of this technique in the first 10 cases. Ten consecutive patients underwent the combined C1-3 lateral mass-sublaminar axis cable fixation technique. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (range 23-84 years). There were six men and four women. Eight patients were treated after traumatic atlantoaxial instability developed (four had remote trauma and previous nonunion), whereas in the other two atlantoaxial instability was caused by arthritic degeneration. All had VA anatomy unsuitable to traditional transarticular screw fixation. There were no intraoperative complications in any of the patients. Postoperative computed tomography studies demonstrated excellent screw positioning in each patient. Nine patients were treated postoperatively with the aid of a rigid cervical orthosis. The remaining patient was treated using a halo fixation device. One patient died of respiratory failure 2 months after surgery. Follow-up data (mean follow-up duration 13.1 months) were available for seven of the remaining nine patients and demonstrated a stable construct with fusion in each patient. The authors present an effective alternative method in which C1-3 lateral mass screw fixation is used to treat patients with unfavorable anatomy for atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation. In this series of 10 patients, the method was a safe and effective way to provide stabilization in these anatomically difficult patients.     

应用异体腓骨结构性植骨结合钢板螺钉内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折的疗效

目的探讨应用异体腓骨结构性植骨结合钢板螺钉内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2014年7月至2017年9月在首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院骨科应用异体腓骨结构性植骨结合钢板螺钉内固定治疗的11例肱骨近端骨折患者的病历资料。其中,男4例,女7例;平均年龄68(47~81)岁。Neer分型:3部分骨折8例,4部分骨折3例。采用Constant-Murley肩关节评分量表(CMS)对患者的肢体功能进行评定,并评估治疗效果及并发症发生情况。结果术后所有患者均获得随访,平均随访时间14.6(13~17)个月。所有患者均达到骨性愈合,未见内固定失效及骨折移位。CMS评分:优3例,良7例,一般1例。随访期间,有1例患者发生伤口感染。结论应用异体腓骨结构性植骨结合钢板螺钉内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折能提供更牢固的稳定性,满足患者早期功能锻炼需求,可提高预后效果。     

Salvage of failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures

Most intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with internal fixation heal. If nonunion or early loss of fracture fixation occurs, treatment options include prosthetic replacement and revision internal fixation. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the results of revision internal fixation and bone grafting for salvage of failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Between 1981 and 2000, 20 patients with 20 intertrochanteric fractures who had initial internal fixation that failed were treated with revision open reduction and internal fixation and bone grafting. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range, 21-86 years). The mean clinical followup was 27 months (range, 3-120 months), and mean radiographic followup was 22 months (range, 3-120 months). Eleven patients were treated with an angled blade plate (seven, 95 degrees; two, 90 degrees; one, 110 degrees; and one, Harris blade plate), five with a dynamic hip screw, three with a dynamic condylar screw, and one with a Zickel nail. Autograft bone was used in 17 patients and allograft bone was used in three patients. Nineteen of 20 nonunions healed (95%). Sixteen of the 19 patients who achieved healing reported no pain and three had mild pain (related to retained hardware); all were ambulatory. Two patients had perioperative complications (10%): one wound dehiscence, and one severe hyponatremia. In properly selected patients, revision internal fixation with bone grafting for failed open reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures can provide a high rate of union and good clinical results with a low rate of complications.     

Atlantoaxial stabilization: clinical comparison of posterior cervical wiring technique with transarticular screw fixation

Symptomatic atlantoaxial instability requires atlantoaxial stabilization. In this study the authors compared clinical, radiographic, and cervical outcome questionnaire results in 67 such patients who underwent 71 separate procedures. Thirty-eight patients had traditional posterior C1-C2 cervical wiring and halo-vest immobilization (group 1), whereas 33 were alternatively managed with transarticular screw fixation without rigid external immobilization (group 2). Mean follow-up in group 1 was 53.2 months and mean follow-up in group 2 was 41.0 months. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated seven pseudoarthroses and four fibrous unions in group 1, with six patients subsequently undergoing reoperation. There were no pseudoarthroses and two fibrous unions in the transarticular screw group (p = 0.015). In those that fused, >2-mm displacement occurred in six of the group 1 patients (p = 0.027). There was a trend toward fewer complications in group 2 patients (p = 0.085) with four complications, as compared with 12 complications in group 1, including a 21% incidence of halo-vest-related complications. These results demonstrate the significant benefits of transarticular screw fixation over posterior cervical wiring techniques in the management of atlantoaxial instability.     

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.     

应用微型钢板螺钉内固定治疗跖骨骨折

目的：探讨应用微型钢板螺钉内固定治疗跖骨骨折的临床疗效。方法2009年6月-2012年12月对84例85足跖骨骨折患者采用切开复位微型钢板螺钉内固定治疗,术后于医生指导下行康复功能锻炼。结果本组84例均获得随访,随访时间6～24个月,平均10个月。84例85足患者中一期愈合82例83足,1例术后3 d出现皮下血肿感染,1例开放性骨折术后出现皮肤坏死,采取相应治疗措施后愈合。术后定期复查X线片,骨折愈合时间为8～16周,平均13周。术后无骨折不愈合及内固定松动断裂等情况,平均14周（9～18周）可完全负重行走,平均6个月（5～12个月）取出内固定物。参照美国足踝矫形协会（AOFAS）前足评分标准评估,优29足,良49足,可5足,差2足,优良率91.76%。结论采用微型钢板螺钉内固定治疗跖骨骨折,不仅可恢复足弓生理形态,而且有利于患足关节功能恢复,骨折愈合快,值得临床推广应用。     

极远端胫骨交锁髓内钉结合阻挡螺钉技术微创治疗胫骨远端骨折

目的 介绍极远端胫骨交锁髓内钉结合阻挡螺钉(blocking screw)技术治疗胫骨远端骨折的手术方法 ,并评估初步临床疗效.方法 2007年3月至2007年9月,采用极远端胫骨交锁髓内钉结合阻挡螺钉技术治疗胫骨远端骨折患者5例,男4例,女1例;年龄21～45岁,平均31.8岁.对其临床资料进行分析,并评估其临床疗效.结果 所有患者术后随访时间3～43周,平均22.2周,均达到解剖复位并获得稳定固定,术后伤口均顺利愈合,未发生软组织并发症.结论 与常规切开复位、支撑钢板内固定治疗胫骨远端骨折比较,极远端胫骨交锁髓内钉结合阻挡螺钉技术具有微创、手术时间短、固定可靠、术后软组织恢复好等优点.     

Complications of pedicle screw fixation in reconstructive surgery of the cervical spine

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of complications in 180 consecutive patients with cervical disorders who had been treated by using pedicle screw fixation systems. OBJECTIVES: To determine the risks associated with pedicle screw fixation in the cervical spine and to emphasize the importance of preoperative planning and surgical techniques in reducing the risks of this procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Generally, pedicle screw fixation in the cervical spine has been considered too risky for the neurovascular structures. There have been several reports describing the complications of lateral mass screw-plate fixation. However, no studies have examined in detail the complications associated with cervical pedicle screw fixation. METHODS: One hundred eighty patients who underwent cervical reconstructive surgery using cervical pedicle screw fixation were reviewed to clarify the complications associated with the pedicle screw fixation procedure. Cervical disorders were spinal injuries in 70 patients and nontraumatic lesions in 110 patients. Seven hundred twelve screws were inserted into the cervical pedicles, and the locations of 669 screws were radiologically evaluated. RESULTS: Injury of the vertebral artery occurred in one patient. The bleeding was stopped by bone wax, and no neurologic complication developed after surgery. On computed tomographic (CT) scan, 45 screws (6.7%) were found to penetrate the pedicle, and 2 of 45 screws caused radiculopathy. Besides these three neurovascular complications directly attributed to screw insertion, radiculopathy caused by iatrogenic foraminal stenosis from excessive reduction of the translational deformity was observed in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the clinically significant complications caused by pedicle screw insertion was low. Complications associated with cervical pedicle screw fixation can be minimized by sufficient preoperative imaging studies of the pedicles and strict control of screw insertion. Pedicle screw fixation is a useful procedure for reconstruction of the cervical spine in various kinds of disorders and can be performed safely.     

Efficacy of translaminar facet screw fixation in circumferential interbody fusions as compared to pedicle screw fixation

OBJECTIVES: Posterior lumbar fixation with translaminar facet screws is a minimally invasive technique with good success rates. Long-term follow-ups show reduced reoperation rates, a decrease in pain scores, and few complications compared with pedicle screw fixation devices. The purpose of this study was to compare the reoperation rate of translaminar facet screw fixation with that of pedicle screw fixation in 360 degrees anterior and posterior fusions for incapacitating low back pain due to lumbar disc degeneration unresponsive to at least 6 months of aggressive nonoperative treatment. METHODS: One hundred five patients underwent a combined circumferential lumbar fusion with posterior fixation for discogenic pain by one surgeon between August 1993 and February 2003. Seventeen patients were excluded from the study owing to their preoperative etiology for fusion or a prior instrumented posterior fusion. A retrospective chart review was done on all 88 remaining patients. Patients were followed in the office, by phone, or by mail to obtain functional outcome measures. Any subsequent operations by this surgeon or another were recorded. The comparison focused on the rate of reoperation on the region of posterior lumbar fixation. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients have had at least a 2-year follow-up. Twenty-four patients had a posterior fusion with pedicle screws, and 43 had translaminar facet screw fixation. Nine patients of the pedicle screw population (37.5%) had a reoperation to remove their instrumentation. Two patients of the translaminar facet screw population (4.7%) had reoperations on their lumbar spine. There was a significant association between posterior instrumentation type and reoperation (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The success of translaminar facet screws in circumferential fusions is justified.     

股骨近端空心钉锁定板治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效观察

目的 观察应用股骨近端空心钉锁定板治疗股骨颈骨折的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2010年1月至2013年7月利用股骨近端空心钉锁定板治疗股骨颈骨折患者20例,分析手术时间、手术出血量、手术并发症等情况,按Sanders髋关节功能评分标准评价术后关节功能.结果 20例患者均获得随访,随访率100％,随访时间6.0～24.0个月,平均10.6个月.本组患者骨折均愈合,无感染、骨不连、股骨头坏死、髋内翻、内固定失败等情况发生.按Sanders髋关节评分标准评定:优14例,良4例,可2例,优良率为90.0％.结论 股骨近端空心钉锁定板治疗股骨颈骨折操作简单、创伤小、固定可靠,是一种比较理想的内固定方法.     

Percutaneous Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures: A Case Series and Systematic Review

The current reference standard for unstable ankle fractures is open reduction and internal fixation using a plate and lag screws. This approach requires extensive dissection and wound complications are not uncommon. The use of intramedullary screw fixation might overcome these issues. The aim of our study was to provide an overview of the published data regarding intramedullary screw fixation of fibula fractures combined with a small consecutive case series. We performed a search of published studies to identify the studies in which fibula fractures were treated with percutaneous intramedullary screw fixation. Additionally, all consecutive patients treated for an unstable ankle fracture in a level 1 trauma center using an intramedullary screw were retrospectively included. The literature search identified 6 studies with a total of 180 patients. Wound infection was seen in 1 patient (0.6%), anatomic reduction was achieved in 168 patients (93.3%), and a loss of reduction was seen in 2 patients (1.1%). Implant removal was deemed necessary in 3 patients (1.7%) and nonunion was seen is 2 patients (1.1%). A total of 11 patients, in whom no wound complications occurred, were included in our study. The follow-up duration was a minimum of 12 months. A secondary dislocation was seen in 1 patient, and delayed union was observed after 7.5 months in 1 other patient. In conclusion, intramedullary screw fixation is a safe and adequate method to use for fibula fractures, with a low risk of wound complications. Additional research regarding functional outcome is warranted.     

Outcome of transpedicular screw fixation and posterior spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Aims (1) To assess the results of decompression instrumentation and posterior spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis in a district general hospital. (2) To establish whether this procedure can be performed safely outside a specialised unit. Methods Thirty-one consecutive patients were included for this study. All underwent decompression instrumentation, pedicle screw fixation and posterior spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis in our unit. The average age was 56 (range 34–72) years with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Patients were assessed by their operative and post-operative complications, radiographic analysis and postal questionnaires; 25 (81%) patients replied to the questionnaire. Results Two cases each of dural tears, instrumentation failure and superficial wound infection, and one case of deep wound infection were found. There were no cases of neurological deficit, radiculopathy, recurrent stenosis or progression of deformity at the fused level. Radiological fusion rate was 87% and 88% were satisfied with the overall results; two (8%) patients said they would not have the same procedure again. An improvement in score outcome in terms of pain, mobility, sleep, analgesia and quality of life ( P <0.0001) was also noted. Conclusions Overall complications were 17%. An improved outcome was noted in terms of radiological fusion and patients' functional and satisfaction outcome in all those who underwent decompression pedicle screw fixation in our unit. We conclude that posterior spinal fusion can be performed safely outside a specialised unit.     

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.