Anatomical study and special guiding devices design for the operation of upper cervical fixation with Atlas titanium cable / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe morphological character of posterior arch of Atlas and lamina of axis,as well as provide anatomical basis to design special guiding device for the operation of upper cervical posterior fixation with Atlas titanium cable so as to make the operation safe and easy.Methods The posterior arch of Atlas and lami- na of axis were observed and measured in 100 adult dry Atlas and axis specimens,then special guiding devices were designed based on the anatomical data.Results (1)The posterior arch of Atlas was thin with a fan-shape section, whose inner plane descended from back to inside and the lamina of axis was stronger and thicker than posterior arch of Atlas,with a vertical inner plane and a ridge near the lower edge.(2)The special guiding device for posterior arch of Atlas should be designed with a bend head as well that for lamina of axis should be designed with a round head. They were used in 61 operations which became safer and easier.Conclusion The operation of upper cervical posteri- or fixation with Atlas titanium cable would be safer with the help of special guiding devices which were designed based on the anatomical character.