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. 2013 Jul;4(2):56-8.
doi: 10.4103/0974-8237.128527.

Alternative technique of cervical spinal stabilization employing lateral mass plate and screw and intra-articular spacer fixation

Atul Goel  1
Affiliations

Alternative technique of cervical spinal stabilization employing lateral mass plate and screw and intra-articular spacer fixation

Atul Goel. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Aim: The author discusses an alternative technique of segmental cervical spinal fixation.

Material and methods: The subtleties of the technique are discussed on the basis of experience with 3 cases with a follow-up of between 30 and 36 months.

Technique: The technique involves debridement of facetal articular cartilage, distraction of facets, jamming of 'Goel spacer' into the articular cavity and fortification of the fixation by lateral mass plate and screw fixation. The 'double-insurance' method of fixation is safe for vertebral artery, nerve roots and spinal neural structures and the fixation is strong.

Conclusions: The discussed technique is safe and provides a strong fixation and a ground for ultimate arthrodesis.

Keywords: Goel spacer; intraarticular; plate; screw; transarticular.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1a
Figure 1a
Images of a 43-year-old male patient. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging shows feature of multi-level ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, with evidence of compression related altered cord signals at C2-3 and C5-6 levels
Figure 1b
Figure 1b
Sagittal image of computed tomography scan showing large C2-3 region ossified posterior longitudinal ligament
Figure 1c
Figure 1c
Computed tomography image through the facets showing plate and screw fixation and intraarticular spacer as described
Figure 1d
Figure 1d
Coronal computed tomography scan image showing the intraarticular spacers and end-on view of the screws traversing in the adjoining facets
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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