Lateral mass screw fixation in cervical spine injury

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical outcome in patients with cervical injury after lateral mass screws fixation in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This study included 88 patients, with cervical injury confirmed radiologically. Patients <12 or >70 years, with traumatic discs, cord compression without subluxation and previously operated on cervical spine were excluded from this study. All patients underwent fixation with lateral mass screws through posterior approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Frankel grading was used to assess the clinical status of these patients pre-operatively & post-operatively. RESULTS: There were 60(68.18%) males and 28(31.8%) females. The ages varied from 18 to 55 years with a mean of 32 yrs ± 8 yrs. The most common level of injury was C5-C6 in 46(52%) patients. According to Frankel grading system, 35 (39.8%) patients were placed in Grade A, 15(17.05%) in Grade B, 22(25%) in Grade C, 12 (13.6%) in Grade D, four (4.5%) in Grade E on admission. Postoperatively, 16 (18.2%) patients were placed in Grade A, 23 (26.1%) in Grade B, eight (9.1%) in Grade C, nine (10.2%) in Grade D and 26(29.6%) patients in Grade E with an overall improvement in neurological function in 51(58%) and power in 37(42%) patients. The major complications encountered were respiratory infections in 10(11.36%) and wound infection in four (4.5%) while eight (9.1%) patients expired. CONCLUSION: Lateral mass screws technique is a safe and effective method for cervical fixation after proper reduction.