Fixation strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws.
BACKGROUND
The internal carotid artery and hypoglossal nerve lie over the anterior aspect of the lateral mass of the atlas and are at risk from bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws. This has led to the recommendation for unicortical screws if the neurovascular structures are in close proximity to the proposed exit point. No data are available on strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the biomechanical pullout strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws in a cadaveric model.


METHODS
Biomechanical study.


METHODS
Fifteen cervical spine specimens underwent axial pullout testing. A unicortical C1-C2 transarticular screw was placed on one side with a contralateral bicortical screw. Data were analyzed to reveal any significant differences in strength.


RESULTS
Mean pullout strength for the bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws was 1,048.8 (+/-360.1) N versus 939.2 (+/-360.6) for unicortical screws (p=.22). There was no significant difference in the pullout strength of unicortical and bicortical screws.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases with satisfactory bone quality, it appears reasonable to use unicortical screws to avoid the risk of neurovascular injury from penetrating the anterior cortex of C1.
Cyr
Steven J
SJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Currier
Bradford L
BL
Eck
Jason C
JC
Foy
Andrew
A
Chen
Qingshan
Q
Larson
Dirk R
DR
Yaszemski
Michael J
MJ
An
Kai-Nan
KN
D001863:Bone Screws; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D033081:Shear Strength; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical