Cervical Pedicle Screws

In 1994 Professor Abumi was the first to report on the use of cervical pedicle screws for the reconstruction of the lower cervical spine.

When compared to lateral mass screws, pedicle screws allow 3 column fixation of the spine and possess 3 times greater pull out strength with far superior stability.

For the patient this often means that fewer levels can be instrumented and or a second anterior procedure is no longer necessary. The main disadvantage when compared to lateral mass screws is that the procedure is a lot more technically demanding with little room for error, there being an increased risk of vertebral artery injury and or spinal canal encroachment. Use of cervical pedicle screws is especially indicated in patients with cervical instability such as in those patients with metastatic lytic lesions of the cervical spine. Other uses include cervical deformity correction as well as in fractures and dislocations of the cervical spine.

Case Illustrations utilizing cervical pedicle screws:

Male Mid Fifties involved in a motor vehicle accident. He was the front seat passenger in a truck, with no seat belt worn.

He is brought by ambulance to the Emergency Room, his main complaint is of severe neck pain right arm numbness and severe left leg pain

Physical Examination findings show:

Right C6 numbness and weakness of wrist dorsiflexion

Left Leg Pain

Radiographs are arranged: