Posterior instrumentation of the cervical spine in children: literature review

Abstract

The paper presents a review of the current literature on instrumental fixation of the pediatric cervical spine and technical features of the application of described techniques in children. The posterior instrumental fixation of the cervical spine provides stability and increases fusion rates in children with cervical spine deformities or instability, and allows intraoperative reduction of vertebral displacements. A number of morphological and clinical studies proved the possibility of implantation of modern metal constructs in children. Given the small size of bone structures in children, each case requires careful preoperative planning, proper intraoperative positioning and strict adherence to surgical techniques.

Keywords

• screw fixation of the cervical spine
• spine surgery in children