Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate imaging measurement parameters and clinical application of pedicle screw internal fixation technique for spinal fracture and to search an appropriate technique.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of Wanfang database, Medline database was performed for articles published between January 2000 and June 2010 related to pedicle screw internal fixation technique for spinal fracture with the key words “cervical pedicle, screw, implantation parameter” in Chinese and English, respectively. Repetitive, review and Meta analysis were excluded. Finally, 20 articles were included.
RESULTS: Size of pedicle screws is selected according to parameters measured by preoperative imaging. The pedicle screws penetrate anterior, middle and posterior spine to fix the entire spinal cord. Moreover, bilateral pedicles form a right angle, which provides strong lateral bending and axial torsion support, i.e. biomechanical basis of cervical pedicle screw fixation. Preoperative X-ray measurement has been replaced by CT three-dimensional scanning. With developing computer and material engineering techniques, three-dimensional imaging assists internal fixation.
CONCLUSION: Although computer-navigation system guided cervical screw implantation exhibits good effect, it is not extensively used domestically. Appropriate screw implantation methods, accurate preoperative planning, and experienced screw implantation operation can reduce complications.