Abstract:

BACKGROUND: On account of the great morphological variation and complex structure of cervical pedicles, so it is essential to get reliable and convenient monitor methods during individual screw insertion.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the imaging features of subaxial cervical pedicles on roentgenogram by radiological image observation, which providing the security for cervical pedicles insertion and reducing complications.
METHODS: Totally 10 fresh-bone cervical spine specimens were prepared and the isthmus of the pedicle were drawn tightly with radiopaque fine malleable wire. The images of the subaxial cervical pedicles were taken in posteroanterior (PA) and lateral, oblique positions, the morphology of the subaxial cervical pedicles were observed in different projection positions.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Radiographs of subaxial cervical pedicles were inclined tubular structure on both sides of the vertebral in PA positions, the long axis of the pedicle elliptical cross section tilte inward. The pedicle image was not shown directly in lateral radiograph, it was only an intensive density area made by the overlapping pedicles on the posterior-superior wall of the vertebrate in lateral radiograph. Four lateral cortex border of the isthmus in the pedicle and the shape of the cervical pedicle were demonstrated clearly in the oblique radiograph. The PA and oblique images of the subaxial cervical pedicles can better reflect subaxial cervical pedicles morphology, it is very useful to grasp the feature of every pedicle and is essential in the individual transpedicular fixation.