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Essentials of Spinal Stabilization pp 91–103Cite as

Subaxial Posterior Cervical Fusion with Instrumentation

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Abstract

Subaxial posterior cervical fusion with instrumentation is commonly utilized for the treatment of unstable conditions or deformity. The procedure is highly effective and can be extended across the craniocervical and cervicothoracic junctions. Interspinous wire fixation has been replaced by lateral mass and cervical pedicle screw fixation. The latter has more risk due to potential vertebral artery injury but provides greater biomechanical stiffness than either wire or lateral mass fixation. The proximity of the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and nerve roots mandates meticulous technique to avoid complications. Careful preoperative planning, understanding pertinent anatomy, and proper exposure are key principles to avoid iatrogenic harm. In conjunction with fixation, decortication and bone grafting is essential to obtain long-term arthrodesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Paul A. Anderson MD

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  1. Paul A. Anderson MD
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Correspondence to Paul A. Anderson MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedics, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Langston T. Holly

  2. Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin UWMF, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Paul A. Anderson

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Anderson, P.A. (2017). Subaxial Posterior Cervical Fusion with Instrumentation. In: Holly, L., Anderson, P. (eds) Essentials of Spinal Stabilization . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59713-3_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59713-3_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-59712-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-59713-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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