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Modified translaminar screw fixation in the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T2): a technical note
Dong-Dong Xia1,2, Mei-Jun Yan1, Jing-Jie Zhang1
1Department of Spinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150# Jimo RD, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
To describe and illustrate a modified technique for using translaminar screw in the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T2).
Methods:
12 patients (8 males and 4 females, average age was 52 years) underwent insertion of unilateral or bilateral translaminar screws by using our modified technique. With this modified technique, a tiny unicortical "hole" was made at the middle of the contralateral lamina, and the screw can be directly visualized through the unicortical "hole" to prevent violating the spinal canal.
Results:
With this modified technique, the mean operation time was 205 min (range 145-360) and mean estimated blood loss was 445 ml (range 260-1250). The mean length of the laminar screws was 27 (range 24-30) mm. The results of the 12 patients with an average follow-up of 17 (6-33) months demonstrated this modified technique to be safe and effective in the fixation of cervicothoracic junction.
Conclusion:
In this modified technique, a tiny unicortical "hole" which was made at the middle of the dorsal lamina of cervicothoracic junction (C7-T2). By directly visualizing the screw inserting against the dorsal cortices of the lamina, this modified technique can reduce the risk of violation of the spinal canal and shorten the operation time.
