Title

Fixation strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws

Authors

Steven J. Cyr, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Bradford L. Currier, Mayo Clinic
Jason C. Eck, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Andrew Foy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Qingshan Chen, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Dirk R. Larson, Mayo Clinic
Michael J. Yaszemski, Mayo Clinic
Kai-Nan An, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation

Publication Date

2008-07-29

Document Type

Article

Subjects

*Bone Screws; Cadaver; Cervical Vertebrae; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Humans; *Materials Testing; *Shear Strength; Spinal Fusion; Stress, Mechanical

Disciplines

Orthopedics | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The internal carotid artery and hypoglossal nerve lie over the anterior aspect of the lateral mass of the atlas and are at risk from bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws. This has led to the recommendation for unicortical screws if the neurovascular structures are in close proximity to the proposed exit point. No data are available on strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws.

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical pullout strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws in a cadaveric model. STUDY DESIGN: Biomechanical study.

METHODS: Fifteen cervical spine specimens underwent axial pullout testing. A unicortical C1-C2 transarticular screw was placed on one side with a contralateral bicortical screw. Data were analyzed to reveal any significant differences in strength.

RESULTS: Mean pullout strength for the bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws was 1,048.8 (+/-360.1) N versus 939.2 (+/-360.6) for unicortical screws (p=.22). There was no significant difference in the pullout strength of unicortical and bicortical screws.

CONCLUSIONS: In cases with satisfactory bone quality, it appears reasonable to use unicortical screws to avoid the risk of neurovascular injury from penetrating the anterior cortex of C1.

DOI of Published Version

10.1016/j.spinee.2007.02.008

Source

Spine J. 2008 Jul-Aug;8(4):661-5. Epub 2007 May 11. Link to article on publisher's site

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

17526435

Repository Citation

Cyr SJ, Currier BL, Eck JC, Foy A, Chen Q, Larson DR, Yaszemski MJ, An K. (2008). Fixation strength of unicortical versus bicortical C1-C2 transarticular screws. Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation Publications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2007.02.008. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/ortho_pp/50