A novel computed method to reconstruct the bilateral digital interarticular channel of atlas and its use on the anterior upper cervical screw fixation
Ai-Min Wu,
Wenhai Wang,
Hui Xu,
Zhong-Ke Lin,
Xin-Dong Yang,
Xiang-Yang Wang,
Hua-Zi Xu,
Yong-Long Chi
Affiliations
Ai-Min Wu
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Wenhai Wang
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Hui Xu
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Zhong-Ke Lin
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Xin-Dong Yang
Department of Anatomy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
Xiang-Yang Wang
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Hua-Zi Xu
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Yong-Long Chi
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The Key Orthopaedic Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Purpose. To investigate a novel computed method to reconstruct the bilateral digital interarticular channel of atlas and its potential use on the anterior upper cervical screw fixation. Methods. We have used the reverse engineering software (image-processing software and computer-aided design software) to create the approximate and optimal digital interarticular channel of atlas for 60 participants. Angles of channels, diameters of inscribed circles, long and short axes of ellipses were measured and recorded, and gender-specific analysis was also performed. Results. The channels provided sufficient space for one or two screws, and the parameters of channels are described. While the channels of females were smaller than that of males, no significant difference of angles between males and females were observed. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates the radiological features of approximate digital interarticular channels, optimal digital interarticular channels of atlas, and provides the reference trajectory of anterior transarticular screws and anterior occiput-to-axis screws. Additionally, we provide a protocol that can help make a pre-operative plan for accurate placement of anterior transarticular screws and anterior occiput-to-axis screws.
