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Analysis Study Research Paper | Neuroscience | India | Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024
Assessing The Effectiveness and Complications of Lateral Mass Screw Fixation in Cervical Spine Trauma: A Clinical Review
Dr. M. D Pujari | Dr. Simran David | Dr. S Gosh | Dr Ashwini Natekar
Abstract: Background: This study reviews a clinical series of 30 patients operated by lateral mass fixation with poly axial screws and rods for cervical instability due to posterior element injury with good long-term results and very less morbidity. Methods: A retrospective review of total 172 lateral mass screws were placed in 30 patients of ages 16 - 55 out of which males predominated accounting 87% and females comprised 13%. All cases were performed with a polyaxial screw - rod construct and screws were placed using Anderson - Sekhon trajectory.12 - 14 mm polyaxial screws of 3.5 mm diameter were used in most patients to get a good bony purchase. The depth of the screw was around 11+/ - 5 and mean trajectory was 30 degree lateral and superiorly directed in order to prevent nerve injury, facet joint violation and injury to the vertebral artery. Screw location was assessed by post - operative plain x - ray and computed tomography scan (CT). Results: None of the patients experienced neural or vascular injury as a result of screw position. There were no biomechanical complications post operatively in the form of screw pull outs or breakage of screws within the period of follow up. Good fusion was achieved in almost all the cases at the end of 6 months. Conclusion: Decompressive cervical spine laminectomy with lateral mass screw stabilization using Anderson - Sekhon trajectory is safe and effective in maintaining alignment in patients with cervical trauma associated with cord changes. Early surgical decompression in acute cervical spinal cord trauma is associated with improvement in neurological status, thereby improving quality of life.
Keywords: Cervical trauma, lateral mass fixation, spine surgery complications, cervical spine alignment and poly axial screws
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 2, February 2024,
Pages: 1448 - 1455