Safety and efficacy of lateral mass screws at C7 in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lateral mass screws at C7 in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease. METHODS: Patients with cervical degenerative disease who underwent posterior cervical fusion and fixation from 2009 to 2015 were included in the study. All complications were captured. Postoperative X-ray and computed tomography (CT) confirmed fusion at 6 and 12 months after surgery. X-ray and CT confirmed screw loosening, misplacement, pull-out, breakage, or rod breakage. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients underwent cervical laminectomy and fixation with lateral mass screws at C7 and had at least 1 year follow-up. One patient had C3 screw pull-out; revision was not required. There were no complications related to the C7 screws, and all were in the lateral mass. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral mass screws are as safe and effective as pedicle screws at C7 in long-segment posterior cervical fixation, have a lower rate of perioperative complications than pedicle screws, and are technically easier to place.