Posterior lateral mass plate fixation of the cervical spine.
Historically, posterior fixation and fusion have been the most popular method of internally stabilizing the cervical spine after injury. Although techniques such as wiring are effective for most injuries, these methods are inadequate in the absence of intact posterior elements or extension and rotation injuries. We review the indications and techniques for posterolateral mass plate fixation that are useful in these difficult fractures.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
R W
RW
Lindsey
T
T
Miclau
D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery*