title: Posterior fixation of the upper cervical spine: contemporary techniques.
abstract: Instrumentation in the upper cervical spine has changed considerably in the past two decades. Previous stand-alone wiring techniques have been made largely obsolete with the development of occipital segmental plating, transarticular screws, and C1 lateral mass screws, as well as a myriad of C2 fixation options, including pedicle, pars, and translaminar screws. Polyaxial screws and segmental fixation are more user-friendly than stand-alone wiring and provide a stronger construct. Awareness of the risks and benefits associated with the use of modern instrumentation and thorough familiarity with the anatomy of the upper cervical spine are essential to avoid complications and optimize outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bransford
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Abilio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reis
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices / Q000639:trends*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000639:trends*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery