C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation with rigid cantilever beam construct: case report and technical note.
OBJECTIVE
Transarticular screw fixation of the C1-C2 complex provides immediate rigid fixation of the unstable spine. The technique is not feasible in a certain proportion of patients because of the position of the vertebral artery or the patient's body habitus.


METHODS
The authors describe a rigid screw technique for the surgical treatment of a woman who was excluded as a candidate for C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation.


METHODS
C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation was achieved using a fixed moment arm cantilever beam system. This system provided immediate rigid fixation of the C1-C2 complex in a patient who was not a candidate for transarticular screw fixation.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique is technically more forgiving than posterior transarticular screw fixation and may be applied to a broader spectrum of patients.
Resnick
Daniel K
DK
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. resnick@neurosurg.wisc.edu
Benzel
Edward C
EC
D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*