C7 fracture treated with a pedicle screw system under navigation guidance

T Mahadewa, J Mizuno, T Inoue, H Nakagawa
Correspondence: Dr Tjokorda GB Mahadewa, tjokmahadewa@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
A 51-year-old woman with traumatic fracture-subluxation of C6-C7 vertebrae was treated by pedicle screw fixation. Among several methods for surgical treatment of the cervical spine, this technique provides a more rigid anchor to prevent collapsing or instability of the spinal column, particularly at the cervicothoracic junction. However, the risk of injuring the adjacent neurovascular structures cannot be completely eliminated. The characteristics of the cervicothoracic junction, surgical approaches and pedicle screw fixation techniques are emphasised.

Keywords: C7 vertebral fracture, neuronavigation, pedicle screw, spinal instability, trauma
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(10): 489-493