[ANATOMIC STUDY ON ENTRY POINT AND IMPLANT TECHNIQUE FOR C2 PEDICLE SCREW FIXATION]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• Posterior cervical spine stabilization often involves pedicle screw fixation.
• Accurate placement of C2 pedicle screws is crucial for surgical success and patient safety.
• Variations in axis anatomy necessitate precise anatomical guidelines for screw insertion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a precise entry point and screw trajectory for posterior C2 pedicle screw fixation.
• To provide anatomical data supporting safe and effective C2 pedicle screw implantation.
• To serve as a foundation for clinical application in posterior cervical fixation.

Main Methods:

• Sixty dry adult axis specimens were analyzed for pedicle screw fixation.
• Anatomical parameters including pedicle dimensions, screw path length, and distances to critical structures were measured.
• Specific entry point determination involved geometric referencing of anatomical landmarks.

Main Results:

• Pedicle dimensions: width (7.35±0.89 mm upper, 5.50±1.48 mm middle, 3.97±1.01 mm lower), height (9.94±1.16 mm).
• Screw path length averaged 25.91±1.15 mm.
• Safe screw placement angles: 26.95±1.88° (coronal), 22.81±1.61° (transverse). Minimum distances to spinal canal (2.72±0.83 mm) and transverse foramen (1.98±0.26 mm) were determined.

Conclusions:

• A safe entry point for C2 pedicle screw fixation was identified based on anatomical landmarks.
• The determined entry point and screw angles facilitate effective and safe C2 pedicle screw fixation.
• This research offers crucial anatomical data for optimizing posterior cervical spine surgery techniques.