C1 Posterior Arch Screws for the Additional Reinforcement of Upper Cervical Spine Fixation: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Case Series

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of using C1 posterior arch screws (PASs) combined with C2 translaminar screws as an adjunct for reinforcing upper cervical spine fixation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 4 male patients who underwent surgery involving C1 PASs and C2 translaminar screws between January 2022 and February 2024. Surgical technique involved the insertion of standard C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pedicle screws, followed by the placement of C1 PASs and C2 translaminar screws for additional fixation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index, while radiological assessment focused on fracture union and fusion.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.2 ± 7.0 years, with a mean follow-up duration of 12.5 months. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The average operative time was 100 ± 21.2 minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 65 ± 17.6 mL. Postoperatively, Visual Analog Scale scores showed a significant decrease from 5.7 ± 0.7 to 1.0 ± 0.7 (P < 0.05), and Neck Disability Index scores improved from 77.0 ± 4.2 to 7.5 ± 4.2 (P < 0.05). The radiographic evaluation confirmed fracture union and fusion in all patients except 1 who passed away 3 months postoperatively due to complications related to COVID-19.

Conclusions

Unilateral or bilateral C1 PASs combined with C2 translaminar screws demonstrated successful outcomes in this small patient series. C1 PASs effectively served as additional reinforcement for C1 lateral mass screws, enhancing upper cervical spine fixation.