Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2014
Analysis of cervical pedicle with reconstructed computed tomography imaging in Korean population: feasibility and surgical anatomy.
We analyzed the anatomy of C3-C6 cervical pedicles with reconstructed computed tomography images. ⋯ Because of a tight safe margin, to reduce pedicle penetration the screw should be inserted along the pedicle. With regard to SA, C3 and C4 have a risk of upper end plate penetration. However, C5 and C6 have a risk of facet joint violation, which needs C4 and C5 inferior articular process removal for screw placement. The entry point at C3 and C4 is near one third of the lateral mass height from the posterior border of the superior articular process at the posterolateral border of the lateral mass. The entry point at C5 is near the posterolateral border of the superior articular process and that at C6 is superior to the posterior border of the superior articular process at a line medial to the posterolateral border of the C5 lateral mass. During insertion, not only CA but even SA should be considered carefully to reduce pedicle penetration.