Comparison of two techniques for transarticular screw implantation in the subaxial cervical spine.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


OBJECTIVE
To compare 2 techniques of transarticular screw placement in the subaxial cervical spine.


BACKGROUND
Transarticular screws have been used as an alternative method to achieve posterior cervical spine stability. According to current studies there are several techniques for the placement of transarticular screws in the subaxial cervical spine; however, there is no study that has compared these techniques.


METHODS
The techniques of transarticular screw placement by Takayasu (group A) and Dalcanto (group B) were used in 8 cervical specimens. The position, number of facet fractures, involvement of the vertebral artery, encroachment of the anterior branches of cervical nerve roots, and instances that failed to go through the facets were observed and analyzed.


RESULTS
Sixty-four screws were implanted, 32 for group A and the same for group B. Although no facet fractures were seen in group A, there were 10 in group B (χ=9.6, P<0.01). Eight screws involved the vertebral artery in group A and 0 in group B (χ=22.3, P<0.001). Eleven anterior branches of lower cervical nerve roots were encroached in group A and 2 in group B (χ=22.0, P<0.001). No screws failed to go through the facets in group B whereas 2 screws failed in group A, resulting in no significant difference (χ=0.52, P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a high risk of injury to the vertebral artery and anterior branches of the cervical nerve roots if the screws were too long and Takayasu technique was used. However, more facets were fractured if Dalcanto technique was applied.
Zhao
Liujun
L
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiology, NingBo 6th hospital, NingBo, ZheJiang, People's Republic of China. zhaoliujun555@sina.com.cn
Xu
Rongming
R
Liu
Jiayong
J
Konrad
Joseph
J
Ma
Weihu
W
Jiang
Weiyu
W
Li
Ming
M
Xia
Huajie
H
Hua
Qun
Q
Wang
Guoping
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*