title: [Design and application of the instruments for implantation of transarticular screws in low cervical spine].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To design and apply the instruments for implantation of transarticular screws in low cervical spine and to evaluate the value.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cadavers were used to explore the value of the instruments. Seventeen patients who suffered from cervical diseases were also included in the group,sixty-eight transarticular screws inserted by use of the instruments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All transarticular screws were implanted ease in the low cervical spine without split of facets,guided by the instruments. All patients were followed up three to twelve months. Neither neurologic deficit nor failure of internal fixation was found due to implantation of transarticular screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transarticular screws can be inserted safely and smoothly guided by the instruments, which have values to be introduced widely.
authors.affiliation: The 6th Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: Liu-jun
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Rong-ming
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Wei-hu
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*