Posterior cervical screw fixation in children: the treatment experience

Abstract

Objective. To prove the safety and technical and mechanical validity of posterior screw fixation of the cervical spine in children and to compare different types of the cervical spine fixation based on our own treatment experience and literature data. Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 47 patients under the age of 18 years who underwent various types of posterior instrumental fixation of the cervical spine was performed. Level of Evidence – III. Results. The duration of postoperative follow-up varied from 2 months to 6.6 years (mean, 2.1 ± 1.6 years). A total of 186 screws were placed, the number of screws inserted in one patient reached 10 (mean, 3.9 ± 2.4). Postoperative complications were observed in 5 (10.6 %) patients. Conclusion. Posterior screw fixation of the cervical spine provides biomechanically reliable stabilization of the segment, helps to achieve good correction of deformity and reduction of dislocations, shortens the period of rehabilitation, and is a safe method of surgical treatment in children.

Keywords

• cervical spine malformations
• cervical screw fixation