[Design and application of the instruments for implantation of transarticular screws in low cervical spine].
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.
Zhao
Liu-jun
LJ
The 6th Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang, China.
Xu
Rong-ming
RM
Ma
Wei-hu
WH
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*