Selection and application of surgical techniques for upper cervical spine fractures

Abstract

Appropriate surgical method selection is the basis of treatment of unstable upper cervical spine fracture. Improving the accuracy of screw placement is the key to reduce complications and enhance the efficacy. With the release of several clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines for upper cervical fractures and the usage of various auxiliary screw placement techniques in the treatment of upper cervical fractures, the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment of unstable upper cervical fractures have made some progress, but there are still deficiencies including neurovascular injury, nonunion and failure of internal fixation caused by poor internal fixation. The author discusses how to choose the surgical method and the application of 3D printing, microscope assistance, computer navigation and robot-assisted technology in the operation of upper cervical fracture, so as to provide reference for the treatment of upper cervical fracture and provide theoretical basis for the innovation and improvement of operation technology. Key words: Spinal fractures; Cervical vertebrae; Surgical treatment