Navigated, Percutaneous Posterior Cervical Minimally Invasive Surgery Fixation: Technique and Nuances

Cervical pedicle screw fixation provides a biomechanically superior fixation in comparison to traditional lateral mass screws. The traditional open technique has limited adoption due to technical challenges and significantly increased wound morbidity. Navigated, percutaneous pedicle screw fixation circumvents the traditional technical challenges and minimizes wound morbidity. We present here a technique description and case report of navigated, percutaneous posterior cervical minimally invasive fixation.

Small lateral skin incisions are made on the neck using intraoperative computed tomography-guided navigation. Navigated cervical pedicle screws were placed using the proficient minimally invasive system (Spine Wave, Shelton, CT).

Minimally invasive cervical fixation options have been limited traditionally. Navigated, percutaneous cervical minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fixation provides an effective, safe option for cervical fixation. This technique is described and illustrated in a case example of a patient who suffered a burst fracture and underwent treatment.

Navigated, percutaneous posterior cervical MIS fixation provides biomechanically superior fixation while avoiding the morbidity of traditional, open approaches to the posterior cervical spine. Percutaneous cervical pedicle screw techniques will be pivotal in the continued advancement of posterior cervical decompression and fusion techniques.

Navigated, percutaneous cervical minimally invasive fixation is an achievable form of cervical fixation with acceptable complication rates and radiographic outcomes.