Open AccessC 2 Nerve Dysfunction Associated with C 1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation
Author(s) -
Huang Dageng,
Hao Dingjun,
Li Guanglin,
Guo Hao,
Zhang Yuchen,
He Baorong
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
orthopaedic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.666
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 1757-7861
pISSN - 1757-7853
DOI - 10.1111/os.12136
Subject(s) - medicine , nerve root , fixation (population genetics) , lateral mass , surgery , anatomy , cervical spine , population , environmental health
The C 1 lateral mass screw technique is widely used for atlantoaxial fixation. However, C 2 nerve dysfunction may occur as a complication of this procedure, compromising the quality of life of affected patients. This is a review of the topic of C 2 nerve dysfunction associated with C 1 lateral mass screw fixation and related research developments. The C 2 nerve root is located in the space bordered superiorly by the posterior arch of C 1 , inferiorly by the C 2 lamina, anteriorly by the lateral atlantoaxial joint capsule, and posteriorly by the anterior edge of the ligamentum flavum. Some surgeons suggest cutting the C 2 nerve root during C 1 lateral mass screw placement, whereas others prefer to preserve it. The incidence, clinical manifestations, causes, management, and prevention of C 2 nerve dysfunction associated with C 1 lateral mass screw fixation are reviewed. Sacrifice of the C 2 nerve root carries a high risk of postoperative numbness, whereas postoperative nerve dysfunction can occur when it has been preserved. Many surgeons have been working hard on minimizing the risk of postoperative C 2 nerve dysfunction associated with C 1 lateral mass screw fixation.