The use of cervical lateral mass plate for the treatment of fracture and dislocation of the cervical spine

Objective To discuss the application of cervical lateral mass plate for the treatment of fractures and dislocations of the cervical spine. Methods From January 1998 to January 2001, internal fixation with cervical lateral mass plate and bony fusion were performed in 21 patients during posterior decompression for the treatment of fractures and dislocations of the lower cervical spine . A posterior median approach was used to expose the lateral edge of the articular process. All patients received spinal decompression and reduction according to the types of fracture and dislocation. A cervical lateral mass plate was applied in each lateral mass, a suitable bicortical screw was inserted using Magerl technique (the inserting point of the screw was 2 mm medial and superior to the center of lateral mass, the direction was 20°-25° laterally and 30°-40° cranially). Results The follow-up of all 21 cases ranged from 9 months to 3 years and 9 months (with the mean of 27 months). There were 20 cases with complete reduction of antero-posterior and rotational dislocation, and 1 case with incomplete reduction according to post-operative X-ray film. Patients could sit up with the protection by wearing soft collar 4 days (2-7 days) after the surgery. The mean off-bed time of those without spinal cord injuries or with spinal cord injuries less than Frankel C grade were 9 days (3-14 days) after operation. All cases obtained solid bony fusion 6 months postoperatively. Eighteen cases with spinal cord injury improved one ASIA grade, 2 cases without root injury obtained complete recovery eventually. No severe complications such as injuries of vertebral artery, nerve root and spinal cord or aggravation of spinal cord injury occurred. Conclusion Cervical lateral mass plate fixation has the advantages of wide indications, strong stability, short segment fixation and easily reduction. The results suggested that this technique is an efficient, reliable segmental posterior fixation.