title: Lateral mass screw fixation of the atlas: surgical technique and anatomy.
abstract: The use of lateral mass atlas screws is an important technique to achieve fusion and stability at the craniocervical region affected by different pathologies (degenerative, traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic, or congenital). This paper describes the anatomy and techniques necessary for proper insertion of posterior C1 lateral mass screws, using anatomic dissection and intraoperative pictures. Knowledge of the anatomy and the surgical technique of insertion of C1 lateral mass screws are of paramount importance to have good surgical results.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Division, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andrei F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Joaquim
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ghizoni
authors.forename: Pablo A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rubino
authors.forename: Diogo V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Anderle
authors.forename: Helder
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
authors.forename: Albert L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rhoton
authors.forename: Evandro
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001863:Bone Screws; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016684:Prone Position; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery