A method for intraoperative repositioning of the cervical spine during posterior cervical surgery

Positioning of the head during posterior cervical decompression and fusion requires invasive techniques (eg, pins placed through the skull) and manual repositioning intraoperatively. This article describes a new technique with a noninvasive device for such positioning. From February 2005 until June 2010 at our institution, 94 patients underwent posterior cervical decompression and fusion with instrumentation. All were positioned prone, and their heads were positioned via our technique and customized device. There were no intraoperative complications secondary to this positioning. The device is easy to use, avoids complications associated with invasive devices, and obviates intraoperative repositioning during posterior approaches.