Abstract
We report our strategy for safe screw insertion in the cervical spine and its clinical results. Since 2006, we have been using the Roy-Camille lateral mass screw technique for C3,4,5, and 6. One hundred and eleven lateral mass screws were inserted in 25 patients using this technique between January 2006 and August 2008. Clinical complications were reviewed and screw position was evaluated using multi-detective 3D-CT. We encountered no major complications, including spinal cord or nerve root injury, damage to the vertebral artery, or superficial or deep infection. Among the 111 screws, all were confirmed by multi-detector 3D-CT to accurately inserted.
In Japan, pedicle screws have been used because of their biomechanical strength. On the other hand, it is known that the technique for lateral mass screws is safer than that for pedicle screws. Based on the present data, we are able to conclude that the Roy-Camille technique is safer and more reliable for cervical posterior reconstruction surgery.
