[Clinical application of anterior cervical locking plate systems and analysis of complications as well as their countermeasures].
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the methods and skills of anterior cervical locking plate systems in clinical application and to analyze the causes of some complications as well as give some preventive or remedial countermeasures.


METHODS
From 1998 to 2002, 159 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, fracture-dislocation, tumor or tuberculosis of the cervical spine were treated with anterior locking plate systems. The complications were reviewed and analyzed.


RESULTS
Ten kinds of complications related to anterior locking plate systems occurred in 21 patients. Most of the complications were caused by improperly-selecting implants, experience and technique deficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
The important preventive or remedial countermeasures are correctly-selecting patients, meticulous preoperative preparation, properly-selecting implants, standard and skillful manipulation and rational postoperative protection.
Li
Lei
L
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, No. 2 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China 110004.
Cui
Shao-qian
SQ
Wang
Huan
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome