The use of C1 lateral mass fixation in the cervical spine

Current Opinion in Orthopaedics

Volumn 15, Issue 3, 2004, Pages 184-191

  Currier, Bradford L ^a   Yaszemski, Michael J ^a  

^a MAYO CLINIC COLLEGE OF MEDICINE   (United States)

Author keywords

Atlas; Biomechanics; Fusion; Spinal instrumentation; Vascular injury

Indexed keywords

ANATOMY; ATLANTOAXIAL JOINT; BIOMECHANICS; BIOSAFETY; CERVICAL SPINE; HUMAN; IMMOBILIZATION; MEDICAL PRACTICE; POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATION; PREOPERATIVE PERIOD; PRIORITY JOURNAL; REVIEW; SPINE SURGERY; SURGICAL TECHNIQUE; TREATMENT CONTRAINDICATION; TREATMENT OUTCOME; TREATMENT PLANNING;

EID: 2442472320     PISSN: 10419918     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1097/01.bco.0000127817.76306.61     Document Type: Review

References (44)

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29. Dong Y, Hong MX, Jianyi L, et al.: Quantitative anatomy of the lateral mass of the atlas. Spine 2003, 28:860-863. The dimensions of the atlas were measured on 30 fresh cadaveric specimens. The authors found that adequate space is available for C1 lateral mass screws.
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31. Currier BL, Todd LT, Maus TP, et al.: Anatomic relationship of the internal carotid artery to the C1 vertebra: a case report of cervical reconstruction for chordoma and pilot study to assess the risk of screw fixation of the atlas. Spine 2003, 28:E461-E467. This is case report showed impingement of the ICA by the tip of a well-positioned C1-C2 transarticular screw. Anatomic studies showed that at times the ICA can be within 1 mm of the ideal exit point of a bicortical C1 lateral mass screw or C1-C2 transarticular screw. Contrast-enhanced CT is recommended preoperatively in every case in which a C1-C2 transarticular screw or C1 lateral mass screw may be inserted.
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40. Melcher RP, Puttlitz CM, Kleinstueck FS, et al.: Biomechanical testing of posterior atlantoaxial fixation techniques. Spine 2002, 27:2435-2440. The authors compared a construct of polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pedicle screws secured to bilateral 3-mm rods with a construct of two transarticular screws and a Gallie posterior wire graft. There was no difference in stability between the two fixation techniques, and both were more stable in lateral bending and axial rotation than a Gallie construct without screws.
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44. Fiore AJ, Mummaneni PV, Haid RW, et al.: C1 lateral mass screws: surgical nuances. Tech Orthop 2003, 17:272-277. The authors describe the surgical technique for placing C1 lateral mass screws as well as alternative techniques for C2 screw fixation. They also describe the anatomic distinction between the C2 pars interarticularis and pedicle.