Safety and efficacy of lateral mass screws at C7 in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease

Chengmin Zhang, Qiang Zhou, Paul M. Arnold

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lateral mass screws at C7 in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease. Methods: Patients with cervical degenerative disease who underwent posterior cervical fusion and fixation from 2009 to 2015 were included in the study. All complications were captured. Postoperative X-ray and computed tomography (CT) confirmed fusion at 6 and 12 months after surgery. X-ray and CT confirmed screw loosening, misplacement, pull-out, breakage, or rod breakage. Results: Seventy-two patients underwent cervical laminectomy and fixation with lateral mass screws at C7 and had at least 1 year follow-up. One patient had C3 screw pull-out; revision was not required. There were no complications related to the C7 screws, and all were in the lateral mass. Conclusions: Lateral mass screws are as safe and effective as pedicle screws at C7 in long-segment posterior cervical fixation, have a lower rate of perioperative complications than pedicle screws, and are technically easier to place.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number218
JournalSurgical Neurology International
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 7 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cervical spine
  • Lateral mass screw
  • Pedicle screw
  • Posterior fusion
  • Spinal degenerative disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Safety and efficacy of lateral mass screws at C7 in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this