Internal fixation of fractures and dislocations in the cervical spine

The treatment of fractures of the cervical spine, like that of fractures of the extremities, has been considerably improved in the last decade. The aim of these changes has been to prevent and correct deformities and to achieve such a high degree of primary stability with the use of different internal fixation techniques that traditional external fixation can be avoided. Non-stable internal fixation and laminectomies, which invariably result in further loss of stability, have thus been completely eliminated from the therapeutic arsenal. The new system implies a considerably milder course of treatment for the patient. Confinement to bed is limited to a few days, even for tetraplegic patients. The duration of stay in the hospital is short and any necessary rehabilitation can be started at an extremely early stage. This article describes some of the new techniques and provides examples of indications for and methods of performing stable internal fixation.