Wiring techniques of the posterior cervical spine for the treatment of trauma.

Surgical stabilization of the cervical spine for maintaining reduction and facilitating fusion following trauma may be accomplished by wiring the dorsal elements together. Twenty gauge (0.8 mm) 316L stainless steel surgical wire is the most convenient size to use. Meticulous atraumatic technique is necessary to reduce and fix the unstable spine in order to prevent damage to the spinal cord. Multiple wiring techniques of the upper and lower cervical spine are described and demonstrated, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each.