Neurovascular complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation

We rarely use the cervical transpedicular fixation (CPF) technique in the neurosurgery departments of the authors' institutions because the pedicle is thin and there is a risk of neurovascular damage. In this study we investigated postoperative neurovascular injury caused by the transpedicular screws of 210 pedicles in 45 patients on whom we performed CPF for various cervical pathologies. Fixation was performed between C3 and C7, and the iliac crest and lamina were used as autografts for fusion. In 205 of 210 pedicles (97.6%), the screws were in the correct position, while a non-critical lateral orientation was detected in three pedicles (1.4%). Two screws (one in each of two patients) were positioned inappropriately (0.9%, Grade 3), unilaterally and directly in the vertebral foramen, as shown on postoperative CT scans; blood circulation was normal on angiography. The fusion rate was 100%. The average screw length used for C3 to C7 was 32 mm. The patients were followed up for an average of 35.7 months (range: 17-60 months). There was no morbidity or mortality in our study. We concluded that CPF provides very strong cervical spine fixation but also carries a risk of pedicle perforation without neurovascular injury. However, a free-hand technique performed by an experienced surgeon is acceptable for CPF for various cervical pathologies.