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Cervical Lateral Mass and Pedicle Fracture Reduced with a Herbert Screw: A Technical Note
Antonio Colamaria1, Francesco Carbone1,2, Augusto Leone2,3
1Division of Neurosurgery, Policlinico "Riuniti" Foggia, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
Medical Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Herbert screw fixation offers a minimally invasive option for selected cervical spine fractures. This technique successfully reduced a C3 fracture, improving mobility and reducing pain in a young patient.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Spinal surgery
- Trauma management
Background:
- Cervical spine fractures present management challenges, especially in young patients requiring preserved mobility.
- Conservative treatment failed for a 30-year-old woman with a C3 lateral mass and pedicle fracture, leading to worsening pain and instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Herbert screw fixation for a specific type of cervical spine fracture.
- To present a case study demonstrating a less-invasive surgical approach for cervical trauma.
Main Methods:
- Preoperative planning using specialized software and a 3D-printed vertebral model.
- Posterior midline approach for C3 vertebra exposure.
- Fluoroscopically guided Herbert screw insertion.
Main Results:
- Successful fracture reduction and early bone fusion achieved at three months post-surgery.
- Significant improvement in functional mobility without complications.
- Demonstrated feasibility of Herbert screw fixation in a complex cervical fracture.
Conclusions:
- Herbert screw fixation is a promising, less-invasive alternative for select cervical fractures.
- This technical note aids surgical planning and execution for similar cases.
- Highlights the potential for improved patient outcomes in cervical spine trauma.
