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How I do it: cervical lateral mass screw fixation

  • How I Do it
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Abstract

Background

Cervical lateral mass screw fixation is indicated for the treatment of cervical subaxial C3-C7 lesions associated with instability.

Method

The authors first describe the surgical anatomy of the subaxial cervical posterior approach. Then the Magerl technique is detailed. In particular, tricks to avoid complications are presented. The ideal screw entry point, direction, size and exit point are mentioned. A surgical video, artist’s drawings and a radiological case report are included.

Conclusion

The Magerl technique is a safe and effective lateral mass fixation technique. Respecting anatomical landmarks is crucial to avoid nerve root, vertebral artery and facet joint injury.

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Conflicts of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosurgical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Medical Center, Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil 4, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland

    Enrico Tessitore, Yassine El-Hassani & Karl Schaller

Authors
  1. Enrico Tessitore
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  2. Yassine El-Hassani
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  3. Karl Schaller
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Enrico Tessitore.

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Tessitore, E., El-Hassani, Y. & Schaller, K. How I do it: cervical lateral mass screw fixation. Acta Neurochir 153, 1695–1699 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-011-1068-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-011-1068-4

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