Cervical lateral mass screw fixation without fluoroscopic control: analysis of risk factors for complications associated with screw insertion

• DOI: 10.1007/s00402-012-1507-6
• Publication Date: 2012-03-29T04:03:50Z
• Authors: Shinichi Inoue; Tokuhide Moriyama; Toshiya Tachibana; Fumiaki Okada; Keishi Maruo; Yutaka Horinouchi; Shinichi Yoshiya
• Keywords: Lateral mass; Foramen; Neurovascular bundle

To examine the outcome of cervical lateral mass screw fixation focusing on analysis risk factors for screw-related complications.Ninety-four patients who underwent posterior with a total 457 screws were included in study. The placed using modified Magerl method. Computed tomographic (CT) images taken early postoperative period all patients, and trajectory angle was measured both axial sagittal plane images.In CT trajectory, 56.5 % directed within acceptable range (within 21-40° planes). As intraoperative screw-associated complications, 9.6 found to contact or breach vertebral artery foramen. In this group, significantly lower than group without contact. Facet violation observed 13 (2.8 %). This complication associated angles plane, predominantly at C6 level (69.2 patient chart review, no serious neurovascular injuries documented.In potential VA foramen as well FV during insertion, former incidence related (lack angulation) while latter poor plane.