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Destructive spondyloarthropathy, screw placement risk factors for lateral mass fracture
During cervical lateral mass screw fixation, researchers found a 4.7% incidence of lateral mass fracture with destructive spondyloarthropathy and screw placement in the C6 lateral mass found to be an independent risk factors, according to recently published data.
Researchers performed a retrospective review of 117 consecutive patients who underwent lateral mass screw fixation using a modified Magerl method from 1997 to 2010. The study included a total of 555 lateral masses. The screws had an outer diameter of 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm.
Among all cases, study results showed an incidence of intraoperative lateral mass fractures during cervical lateral mass screw fixation of 4.7%. Researchers found patients with destructive spondyloarthropathy had the highest incidence among the disorders. Researchers also found no significant difference in lateral mass fracture between the use of 4.0-mm screws and 3.5-mm screws. Independent risk factors included destructive spondyloarthropathy and screw insertion in the C6 lateral masses.
Disclosure: The researchers have no relevant financial disclosures.