Pedicle screw fixation in cervical spine

Abstract

Cervical pedicle screw fixation is an effective procedure for stabilizing an unstable motion segments, as this procedure can offer the strongest stability among several instruments used in cervical spine. However, it has generally been considered too risky due to the potential for injury to neurovascular structures. So far it has not widely been used. We introduce the imaging technique of pedicle axis views using fluoroscope in detail, to show the screw entry point matched with trajectory angle. We also inform knacks and pitfalls during surgery to increase the accuracy of screw placement and obtain good surgical outcomes, avoiding serious neurovascular injuries.