A study on a new surgical approach for posterior cervical systems

Abstract

This report involves the study of a new facet joint insertion technique on the cervical spine. Radiographs or x-ray films were studied to refine the insertion technique and to obtain important anatomical dimensions. Having defined the technique of insertion, a study has been made on the pullout strength of this newly developed facet joint insertion technique and the existing lateral mass insertion technique in the human lower cervical spine (C3, C4, C5 and C6). The facet joint pullout results were also compared with pedicle screw insertion for posterior cervical system, uni-cortical and bi-cortical screw insertion for anterior cervical system. The objective of this study is to understand the promising usage of the facet joint insertion technique and to determine the strength of this newly developed facet joint insertion technique for posterior cervical fixation system.