The posterior approach combined with pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of lower cervical fractures and dislocation

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of using the posterior approach with cervical pedicle screw fixation technique for the treatment of lower cervical spine fractures and dislocations.Methods Thirty patients suffered lower cervical fractures and dislocations were retrospectively analyzed,and they were underwent cervical pedicle screw system fixation surgery from January 2010 to December 2012.There were 22 males and 8 females,with an average age of 41 years (range,24-61 years).Eight injuries were located at C4,5,12 at C5,6,and 10 at C6.7.According to the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA)impairment scale,8 cases were grade A,12 were grade B,5 were grade C,3 were grade D,and 2 were grade E.Results Reduction and fixation of the injured segments were performed via a posterior approach in all 30 patients.One hundred and forty pedicle screws were inserted successfully in all patients on the postoperative radiographic and CT scans.All the patients were followed up for 3-23 months,with the average of 11 months.According to the ASIA impairment scale,eight cases with grade A were still grade A,but the feeling and movement improved obviously.Ten grade B improved to grade C and the rest cases were complete recovery after operations.During the course of the follow up,solid bone union was achieved in all patients,and there were no hardware failures.All the patients' postoperative MRI showed disappearance of the spinal cord compression after reduction in all cases.Conclusion For the patients of lower cervical fractures and dislocation,the first choice of operation should be the posterior approach reduction and fixation with cervical pedicle screw.The correct lengthwise traction method could unblock the locked facet effectively,and prevent the retrusion of disc and the further injury of spinal cord.For the patients of disc disruption,the posterior approach could be used only.The cervical pedicle screw system could provide three-dimensional reduction of the injured cervical segments and the adequate mechanical strength.The posterior approach combined with pedicle screw fixation is feasible and effective for the treatment of lower cervical fractures and dislocation. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Fractures bone; Spinal cord injuries; Fracture fixation, internal