[Cervical lateral mass plate with its clinical application].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the fixation technique of using the cervical lateral mass plate in the cervical posterior approach operation.

METHODS

Eight patients in this group were admitted from September 2001 to November 2006. Among the 8 patients, there were 6 males and 2 females, with their ages ranging from 28 to 78 years. Cervical vertebral fracture with dislocation was found in 4 patients, C2 spinal cord injury in 1, C1 fracture in 1, cervical spinal stenosis in 1, and C2-5 spinal cord neurofibroma in 1. Muscle strength 3-4. The Frankel grading system was used in 6 patients with traumatic injury. Before operation, Grade C was observed in 2 patients,Grade D in 3,and Grade E in 1. All the operations were performed according to requirements of the Margel's method. We positioned 40 screws in all the patients, including 4 screws at C2, 6 screws at C.3, 12 screws at C4, 4 screws at C5, 4 screws at C6. 2 screws at C7, and 6 screws at T1.

RESULTS

The following-up for an average of 14. 1 months (range, 6-45 months) revealed that there was no malposition of the screws in the patients. One of the 8 patients developed spinal instability in the fixed segment at 3 months after operation. The head-chest brace was applied to the patient for 3 months, and the spinal fusion was achieved. The further following-up to 45 months indicated that there was no instability occurring. The remaining patients recovered to their spinal stability by the spinal fusion. The patients also recovered in their neurological function after operation. The Frankel assessment showed that 1 patient had Grade E, 3 from Grade D to Grade E, 1 from Grade C to Grade D, and 1 from Grade C to Grade E.

CONCLUSION

The cervical lateral mass plate fixation can provide the immediate and strong segmental immobilization for the good cervical spine stability.