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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Biomechanical Testing of Murine Tendons
Published on: October 15, 2019
Biomechanical and Anatomical Validity of the Short Posterior Arch Screw
Jun Mizutani1, Nozomu Inoue2, Yoshihisa Otsuka1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
Objective:
This study was conducted to clarify the validity of the short posterior arch screw (S-PAS). The S-PAS is inserted only in the pedicle-analogue portion of the posterior arch. The S-PAS screw length is almost half that conventional C1 lateral mass screws inserted via the posterior arch (via-PAS). S-PAS reduces the risk of vertebral artery injury (VAI) because it never reaches the transverse foramen. Although the biomechanical validity of various C1 lateral mass screws (C1LMS) analyzed in young specimens have been published, that of unicortically inserted C1LMS such as the unicortical Harms screw, S-PAS, and via-PAS for elderly patients is concerning because of the high prevalence of osteoporosis in the elderly.
Methods:
Nine fresh frozen cadavers (average age at death, 72.1 years) were used for pullout testing. The bone mineral density of each specimen was evaluated using quantitative computed tomography.
Results:
The pullout strength of via-PAS (1,048.5 N) was significantly greater than that of the unicortical Harms screw (257.9 N) (p<0.05). The pullout strength of S-PAS was 720.3 N, which was also significantly greater than that of the unicortical Harms screw (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
The via-PAS and S-PAS are valid surgical options, even in elderly patients. Along with sufficient biomechanical strength, the S-PAS screw prevents VAI.
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