2005•The Orthopedic Journal of ChinaRequires access
Anatomic evaluation of the clinical suitability of C_(2/3) transarticular screw fixation
Qingshui Yin
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Abstract
Objective:To study the anatomic suitability of C 2/3 transarticular screw fixation,and provide a new screw fixation technique in C 2 for posterior screw-plate fixation at cervical spine.Method: Twenty cervical vertebrae bone specimens were used to evaluate the height and the width of the lateral masses of C 2 and C 3.The entry point of C 2/3 transarticular screw was defined at the surface of C 2 lateral mass,located in the midway in the mediolateral position,and inferior one-third in the rostrocaudal direction.The screw was aimed anterocaudally,via C 2/3 facet joint into the lateral mass of C 3,the angle of trajectory was parallel to the sagittal plane and perpendicular to the C 2/3 facet joint.The length of the screw trajectory in the lateral mass of C 2 and C 3 was measured separately.Result: The averaged height and width were 14.83mm and 9.63mm of the lateral masses of C 2,13.86mm and 11.27mm for that of C 3.The mean length of the screw trajectory in the lateral mass of C 2 and C 3 were 6.24 mm and 9.70mm,and the total length of the C 2/3 transarticular screw was averaged 15.94mm.Conclusion: There is great suitability of C 2/3 transarticular screw fixation,and it could be used as an alternative screw anchor point for posterior cervical instrumentation.