title: Posterior Fixation Techniques in the Subaxial Cervical Spine.
abstract: This article reviews the historical context, indications, techniques, and complications of four posterior fixation techniques to stabilize the subaxial cervical spine. Specifically, posterior wiring, laminar screw fixation, lateral mass fixation, and pedicle screw fixation are among the common methods of operative fixation of the subaxial cervical spine. While wiring and laminar screw fixation are now rarely used, both lateral mass and pedicle screw fixation are technically challenging and present the risk of significant complications if performed incorrectly. With a sound understanding of anatomy and rigorous preoperative evaluation of bony structures, both lateral mass and pedicle screw fixation provide a safe and reliable method for subaxial cervical spine fixation.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital.
authors.forename: Ahmer
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghori
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital ; Orthopaedics, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
authors.forename: Hai V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Le
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital ; Orthopaedics, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
authors.forename: Heeren
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Makanji
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cha
keywords: cervical spine; laminar screw; lateral mass; pedicle screw; posterior fixation; spine; subaxial spine