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Posterior plating of the cervical spine
N A Ebraheim1, R E Rupp, E R Savolaine
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699-0008, USA.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Posterior cervical plating with bone grafting reliably achieves fusion for cervical instability. This technique, using lateral mass screws, showed good outcomes with minimal complications in a retrospective review.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Cervical instability necessitates effective stabilization techniques.
- Posterior cervical plating offers an alternative to traditional wiring methods.
- Limited data exists on the outcomes of posterior cervical plating.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of posterior cervical plating with autogenous iliac crest bone graft.
- To assess fusion rates, patient outcomes, surgical technique, and complications.
- To compare outcomes with existing cervical stabilization methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 patients undergoing posterior cervical plating and iliac crest bone graft.
- Analysis of fusion using plain films, dynamic views, and symptom assessment.
- Inclusion of patients with traumatic, metastatic, and postlaminectomy instability.
Main Results:
- Successful fusion achieved in all patients within an average of 3 months.
- One instance of transient neurologic deterioration, resolved with decompression.
- Screw loosening occurred in six patients, but fusion was unaffected in most.
- Titanium implants facilitated postoperative imaging without significant artifact.
Conclusions:
- Posterior cervical plating with lateral mass fixation and bone grafting is a reliable fusion method.
- Bicortical screw fixation may reduce the incidence of screw loosening compared to unicortical.
- The technique demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no major complications reported.