Pedicle screw-rod system assisted with high speed drills for treatment of interlocking dislocation of cervical spine / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the indications,techniques and effects of high speed drill assisted cervical pedicle screw-rod system in treatment of cervical interlocking dislocation.Methods A retrospective review was made on data of 13 cases of cervical interlocking dislocation undergone pedicle screw-rod fixation and reduction with assistance of high speed drills from December 2006 to July 2011.Dislocation localized in C3/4 (n =3),C4/5 (n =5),C5/6 (n =4) and C6/7 (n =1) respectively.Causes for injury contained cervical hyperextension due to traffic accidents (n =7) and a fall from the height (n =6).Two remained neurological intact,seven were combined with syndrome of central canal damage,and four had paraplegia.All the 13 cases received posterior pedicle screw fixation and reduction within 7 days after injury.Pedicle screws were implanted on adjacent segment of cervical spine with unlocking the interlocked small joints by a distraction device.Results All 13 cases obtained good reduction,including eight with complete anatomic reduction and five with 1-2 mm of vertebral slight slippage.Fifty-two screws were inserted and 49 pedicle screws were put in place except for the excursion in three pedicle screws on the postoperative radiographic and CT scans.There was no injury of spinal cord,nerve root or vertebral artery during operation.The patients showed significant improvement in sensory and motor function of the upper extremities in the follow-up of 12-36 months.One case had screw breakage at postoperative three months with no nerve symptoms.Conclusion High speed drill assisted pedicle screw-rod system is suitable for treatment of cervical interlocking dislocation,for its reduction process accords with the biomechanics and allows decompression therapy.