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. 2010 Jun;4(3):197-201.
doi: 10.1007/s11832-010-0251-0. Epub 2010 Mar 19.

Lateral mass screw fixation in children

Daniel Hedequist  1 , Mark Proctor, Timothy Hresko
Affiliations

Lateral mass screw fixation in children

Daniel Hedequist et al. J Child Orthop. 2010 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: The safety and feasibility of posterior screw fixation of the cervical spine in children has not been well documented in the orthopedic literature. We performed a retrospective review of our experience using posterior cervical screw fixation in children.

Methods: The medical records and radiologic records of 36 children at a mean age of 10 years (range 3-16 years) were reviewed. Diagnoses included: ten instability, 11 deformity, seven trauma, five tumor, and three congenital abnormalities. Operative reports and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to determine the technical feasibility of screw placement, any screw-related complications, and to assess for correct screw position. In this series, there were no neurologic complications, no vertebral artery injuries, and no screw-related complications.

Results: Thirty patients (141 screws) had screws evaluated postoperatively and were shown to be completely contained on postoperative CT scans. There were no revisions due to screw failure or dislodgement. There were no vascular or neurologic complications.

Conclusions: Posterior screw fixation in the pediatric population may be done safely and greatly enhances fixation strength for a variety of disorders requiring instrumentation and fusion.

Keywords: Cervical spine; Pediatric; Screw fixation.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a 13-year-old male who sustained a three-column cervical spine injury while playing football. b Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan confirming correct orientation of the lateral mass screws. c, d Postoperative radiographs documenting the restoration of alignment after circumferential fusion
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Lateral radiograph of a 4-year-old patient who developed post-laminoplasty kyphosis after surgical treatment of a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation. b Postoperative CT scan documenting the containment of a lateral mass screw. c Postoperative lateral radiograph documenting improvement of her sagittal alignment following posterior instrumented fusion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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