C7 Posterior Fixation Using Intralaminar Screws : Early Clinical and Radiographic Outcome |
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Authors: | Sang Hoon Jang Jae Taek Hong Il Sup Kim In Sung Yeo Byung Chul Son and Sang Won Lee |
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Institution: | 1Department of Neurosurgery, St. Vincent''s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea.;2Department of Neurosurgery, Daejeon St. Mary''s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea. |
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Abstract: | ObjectiveThe use of segmental instrumentation technique using pedicle screw has been increasingly popular in recent years owing to its biomechanical stability. Recently, intralaminar screws have been used as a potentially safer alternative to traditional fusion constructs involving fixation of C2 and the cervicothoracic junction including C7. However, to date, there have been few clinical series of C7 laminar screw fixation in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this study is to report our clinical experiences using C7 laminar screw and the early clinical outcome of this rather new fixation technique.MethodsThirteen patients underwent C7 intralaminar fixation to treat lesions from trauma or degenerative disease. Seventeen intralaminar screws were placed at C7. The patients were assessed both clinically and radiographically with postoperative computed tomographic scans.ResultsThere was no violation of the screw into the spinal canal during the procedure and no neurological worsening or vascular injury from screw placement. The mean clinical and radiographic follow up was about 19 months, at which time there were no cases of screw pull-out, screw fracture or non-union. Complications included two cases of dorsal breech of intralaminar screw and one case of postoperative infection.ConclusionIntralaminar screws can be potentially safe alternative technique for C7 fixation. Even though this technique cannot be used in the cases of C7 laminar fracture, large margin of safety and the ease of screw placement create a niche for this technique in the armamentarium of spine surgeons. |
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Keywords: | Cervical spine Posterior screw fixation Intralaminar screw C7 |
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