Early Fixation in the Management of Cervical Spine Injuries
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- Category: Vol. 87, December 2019
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Early Fixation in the Management of Cervical Spine Injuries, HESHAM A. ABU EISHA, IBRAHIM M. IBRAHIM, HESHAM M. ABD EL-SAMAD and MOHAMED S. ABDEL AZIZ
Abstract
Background: Cervical spine injury is considered one of the most dangerous injuries. Clinical presentation ranges from neck pain, radiculopathy to cord injury whether partial or complete. Management includes initial resuscitation together with immobilization. The decision of surgery is directed to maintenance of vertebral column stability and neurological function, based on the radiological investigation and the patient's clinical condition.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of lateral mass fixation and best indications in patients with lower cervical spine injury.
Patients and Method: Retrospective study of twenty cases of cervical spine injuries. Patients were admitted and operated upon in the Neurosurgical Departments in Cairo University Hospitals.
Results: Lateral mass fixation is best indicated in cases of sublaxation, locked facet as well as cases with straightened curve.
Conclusion: Regarding lateral mass fixation, there seems a general agreement that the screw trajectory should be at least 10 degrees laterally and oriented no more rostral the articular surface of the facet joint to minimize the risk of inadvertent injury to the nerve root or vertebral artery.