Journal
JOURNAL OF KOREAN NEUROSURGICAL SOCIETY
Volume 49, Issue 6, Pages 351-354Publisher
KOREAN NEUROSURGICAL SOC
DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2011.49.6.351
Keywords
Atlantoaxial instability; C2 pedicle screw; Entry point; Technique
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Funding
- Hanyang University [HY-2007-C]
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Objective : This investigation was conducted to evaluate a new, safe entry point for the C2 pedicle screw, determined using the anatomical landmarks of the C2 lateral mass, the lamina, and the isthmus of the pars interarticularis. Methods : Fifteen patients underwent bilateral C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screw fixation, combined with posterior wiring. The C2 pedicle screw was inserted at the entry point determined using the following method : 4 mm lateral to and 4 mm inferior to the transitional point (from the superior end line of the lamina to the isthmus of the pars interarticularis). After a small hole was made with a high-speed drill, the taper was inserted with a 30 degree convergence in the cephalad direction. Other surgical procedures were performed according to Harm's description. Preoperatively, careful evaluation was performed with a cervical X-ray for C1-C2 alignment, magnetic resonance imaging for spinal cord and ligamentous structures, and a contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional computed tomogram (3-D CT) for bony anatomy and the course of the vertebral artery. A 3-D CT was checked postoperatively to evaluate screw placement. Results : Bone fusion was achieved in all 15 patients (100%) without screw violation into the spinal canal, vertebral artery injury, or hardware failure. Occipital neuralgia developed in one patient, but this subsided after a C2 ganglion block. Conclusion : C2 transpedicular screw fixation can be easily and safely performed using the entry point of the present study. However, careful pre-operative radiographic evaluation, regardless of methods, is mandatory.
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