title: C2 Pedicle Screw Placement: A Novel Teaching Aid.
abstract: The C2 pedicle screw is more biomechanically stable and provides patients with increased postoperative range of motion in comparison to other methods of C2 fixation. However, as a result of the proximity of the C2 pedicle to the transverse foramen, there is a considerable risk of intraoperative morbidity due to vertebral artery injury laterally or vertebral canal breach medially. Other than the use of cadavers for the demonstration and practice of C2 pedicle screw placement, there are currently few other readily available teaching aids for the training of residents and fellows. Herein, we describe a simple and cost effective modality for the demonstration, evaluation, and practice of C2 pedicle screw placement in a laboratory setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Olaide
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ajayi
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation ; Neurological Surgery, Wayne State University.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moisi
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Complex Spine, Swedish Neuroscience Institute.
authors.forename: Rod J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Oskouian
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Seattle Science Foundation.
authors.forename: R Shane
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tubbs
keywords: c2 pedicle screw; teaching aid; technique