title: Lateral mass screw fixation in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The safety and feasibility of posterior screw fixation of the cervical spine in children has not been well documented in the orthopedic literature. We performed a retrospective review of our experience using posterior cervical screw fixation in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records and radiologic records of 36 children at a mean age of 10 years (range 3-16 years) were reviewed. Diagnoses included: ten instability, 11 deformity, seven trauma, five tumor, and three congenital abnormalities. Operative reports and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to determine the technical feasibility of screw placement, any screw-related complications, and to assess for correct screw position. In this series, there were no neurologic complications, no vertebral artery injuries, and no screw-related complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty patients (141 screws) had screws evaluated postoperatively and were shown to be completely contained on postoperative CT scans. There were no revisions due to screw failure or dislodgement. There were no vascular or neurologic complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Posterior screw fixation in the pediatric population may be done safely and greatly enhances fixation strength for a variety of disorders requiring instrumentation and fusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Hunnewell 2 Bldg., Boston, MA 02114 USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hedequist
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Proctor
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hresko