ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the individualized insertion choice in treatment of upper cervical injury with posterior atlantoaxial short-segmental pedicle screws or lateral mass screws and the relevant clinical outcome.Methods A total of 23 cases of upper cervical injuries received skull traction preoperatively.Individual surgery plan including internal fixation using pedicle screws or lateral mass screws as well as diameter,length,entry point,direction,and angle of screws was determined according to their atlantoaxial CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction results.Results Six cases of Frankel grade C and eight of grade D were all recovered to grade E after operation.All cases presented rigid fixation and bony fusion in the follow-up of 6 to 36 months.Besides,screws were removed after bony fusion for three young cases and one case with left atlas pedicle screws emerged laterally out of cortex.Clinical outcome was all satisfactory.Conclusion Individualized posterior atlantoaxial fixation using pedicle screws or lateral mass screws is an effective way to treat upper cervical injury and gains advantages of stable threedimensional structures,short fixation segments,and few postoperative complications.