title: Subaxial cervical and cervicothoracic fixation techniques--indications, techniques, and outcomes.
abstract: The subaxial and cervicothoracic junction is a relatively difficult area for spine surgeons to navigate. Because of different transitional stressors at the junction of the smaller cervical vertebrae and the larger thoracic segments, proximity to neurovascular structures, and complex anatomy, extreme care and precision must be assumed during fixation in these regions. Lateral mass screws, pedicle screws, and translaminar screws are currently the standard of choice in the subaxial cervical and upper thoracic spine. This article addresses the relevant surgical anatomy, pitfalls, and pearls associated with each of these fixation techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pelton
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Kern
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome