title: A novel computed method to reconstruct the bilateral digital interarticular channel of atlas and its use on the anterior upper cervical screw fixation.
abstract: Purpose. To investigate a novel computed method to reconstruct the bilateral digital interarticular channel of atlas and its potential use on the anterior upper cervical screw fixation. Methods. We have used the reverse engineering software (image-processing software and computer-aided design software) to create the approximate and optimal digital interarticular channel of atlas for 60 participants. Angles of channels, diameters of inscribed circles, long and short axes of ellipses were measured and recorded, and gender-specific analysis was also performed. Results. The channels provided sufficient space for one or two screws, and the parameters of channels are described. While the channels of females were smaller than that of males, no significant difference of angles between males and females were observed. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates the radiological features of approximate digital interarticular channels, optimal digital interarticular channels of atlas, and provides the reference trajectory of anterior transarticular screws and anterior occiput-to-axis screws. Additionally, we provide a protocol that can help make a pre-operative plan for accurate placement of anterior transarticular screws and anterior occiput-to-axis screws.
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Ai-Min
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Wenhai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Zhong-Ke
authors.initials: ZK
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China.
authors.forename: Xin-Dong
authors.initials: XD
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Xiang-Yang
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Hua-Zi
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province , Wenzhou, Zhejiang , China.
authors.forename: Yong-Long
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chi
keywords: Anterior occiput-to-axis screws; Anterior transarticular screws; Imaging reconstruct; Interarticular channel of atlas