Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Morphological study of the posterior osseous structures of subaxial cervical spine in a population from northeastern China

Authors: Zhenyu Wang, Jiali Leng, Jianhua Liu, Yi Liu

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Laminar screws and lateral mass screws have been increasingly used in the treatment of cervical diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine the morphological characteristics of the posterior anatomical structures of the subaxial cervical vertebrae in a northeastern Chinese population.

Methods

Sixty-one consecutive patients underwent cervical spine computed tomography (CT). We analyzed a total of 610 axial images and 61 sagittal images. The following parameters were measured: lamina outer width (LOW), lamina inner width (LIW), lamina axis length (LAL), lamina transverse angle (LTA), lateral mass longitudinal diameter (LMLD), lateral mass transverse diameter (LMTD), sagittal spinous process length (SSPL), axial spinous process length (ASPL), spinal canal transverse diameter (SCTD), spinal canal longitudinal diameter (SCLD), osseous spinal canal area (OSCA), and Pavlov ratio (PR). The participants were classified into male and female groups and developmental canal stenosis (DCS; PR ≤0.75) and non-DCS (NDCS; PR >0.75) groups.

Results

Significant differences were observed among the different vertebral levels for almost all evaluated parameters, except for LTA and OSCA. Statistical differences were found between the right and left sides in all parameters, except for LIW and LOW. All linear parameters, except for SCLD and the angular parameter LTA, significantly differed between the sexes. Significant differences were found between the DCS and NDCS groups in terms of all parameters, except for SCTD.

Conclusions

Various measurements of the posterior structures of subaxial cervical vertebrae differed between the left and right sides, females and males, and the DCS and NDCS groups. Different techniques for lateral mass screw insertion should be used according to different vertebral level. Only C7 laminar may be able to safely accommodate a 2.5-mm translaminar screw. The study data can help doctors to make better surgical decisions and develop more appropriate implants for northeastern Chinese patients.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Abumi K, Shono Y, Taneichi H, Ito M, Kaneda K. Correction of cervical kyphosis using pedicle screw fixation systems. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1999;24(22):2389–96.CrossRef Abumi K, Shono Y, Taneichi H, Ito M, Kaneda K. Correction of cervical kyphosis using pedicle screw fixation systems. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1999;24(22):2389–96.CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Hong JT, Sung JH, Son BC, Lee SW, Park CK. Significance of laminar screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(16):1739–43.CrossRef Hong JT, Sung JH, Son BC, Lee SW, Park CK. Significance of laminar screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(16):1739–43.CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Ilgenfritz RM, Gandhi AA, Fredericks DC, Grosland NM, Smucker JD. Considerations for the use of C7 crossing laminar screws in subaxial and cervicothoracic instrumentation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013;38(4):E199–204.CrossRef Ilgenfritz RM, Gandhi AA, Fredericks DC, Grosland NM, Smucker JD. Considerations for the use of C7 crossing laminar screws in subaxial and cervicothoracic instrumentation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013;38(4):E199–204.CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Korres DS, Benetos IS, Tsailas PG. Lateral mass screw fixation for cervical spine trauma. Spine J. 2006;6(5):603.CrossRefPubMed Korres DS, Benetos IS, Tsailas PG. Lateral mass screw fixation for cervical spine trauma. Spine J. 2006;6(5):603.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Sciubba DM, Noggle JC, Vellimana AK, Conway JE, Kretzer RM, Long DM, et al. Laminar screw fixation of the axis. J Neurosurg. 2008;8(4):327–34. Sciubba DM, Noggle JC, Vellimana AK, Conway JE, Kretzer RM, Long DM, et al. Laminar screw fixation of the axis. J Neurosurg. 2008;8(4):327–34.
6.
go back to reference Senoglu M, Ozkan F, Celik M. Placement of C-7 intralaminar screws: a quantitative anatomical and morphometric evaluation. J Neurosurg Spine. 2012;16(5):509–12.CrossRefPubMed Senoglu M, Ozkan F, Celik M. Placement of C-7 intralaminar screws: a quantitative anatomical and morphometric evaluation. J Neurosurg Spine. 2012;16(5):509–12.CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Kayalioglu G, Erturk M, Varol T, Cezayirli E. Morphometry of the cervical vertebral pedicles as a guide for transpedicular screw fixation. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2007;47(3):102–7. discussion 7-8.CrossRef Kayalioglu G, Erturk M, Varol T, Cezayirli E. Morphometry of the cervical vertebral pedicles as a guide for transpedicular screw fixation. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2007;47(3):102–7. discussion 7-8.CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Yusof MI, Ming LK, Abdullah MS. Computed tomographic measurement of cervical pedicles for transpedicular fixation in a Malay population. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2007;15(2):187–90. Yusof MI, Ming LK, Abdullah MS. Computed tomographic measurement of cervical pedicles for transpedicular fixation in a Malay population. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2007;15(2):187–90.
9.
go back to reference Sieradzki JP, Karaikovic EE, Lautenschlager EP, Lazarus ML. Preoperative imaging of cervical pedicles: comparison of accuracy of oblique radiographs versus axial CT scans. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(9):1230–6.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Sieradzki JP, Karaikovic EE, Lautenschlager EP, Lazarus ML. Preoperative imaging of cervical pedicles: comparison of accuracy of oblique radiographs versus axial CT scans. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(9):1230–6.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
10.
go back to reference Abuzayed B, Tutunculer B, Kucukyuruk B, Tuzgen S. Anatomic basis of anterior and posterior instrumentation of the spine: morphometric study. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010;32(1):75–85.CrossRefPubMed Abuzayed B, Tutunculer B, Kucukyuruk B, Tuzgen S. Anatomic basis of anterior and posterior instrumentation of the spine: morphometric study. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010;32(1):75–85.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Nakanishi K, Tanaka M, Sugimoto Y, Misawa H, Takigawa T, Fujiwara K, et al. Application of laminar screws to posterior fusion of cervical spine: measurement of the cervical vertebral arch diameter with a navigation system. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(6):620–3.CrossRef Nakanishi K, Tanaka M, Sugimoto Y, Misawa H, Takigawa T, Fujiwara K, et al. Application of laminar screws to posterior fusion of cervical spine: measurement of the cervical vertebral arch diameter with a navigation system. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(6):620–3.CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Alvin MD, Abdullah KG, Steinmetz MP, Lubelski D, Nowacki AS, Benzel EC, et al. Translaminar screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine: quantitative laminar analysis and feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar virtual screw placement. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012;37(12):E745–51.CrossRef Alvin MD, Abdullah KG, Steinmetz MP, Lubelski D, Nowacki AS, Benzel EC, et al. Translaminar screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine: quantitative laminar analysis and feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar virtual screw placement. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012;37(12):E745–51.CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Abumi K, Shono Y, Ito M, Taneichi H, Kotani Y, Kaneda K. Complications of pedicle screw fixation in reconstructive surgery of the cervical spine. Spine. 2000;25(8):962–9.CrossRefPubMed Abumi K, Shono Y, Ito M, Taneichi H, Kotani Y, Kaneda K. Complications of pedicle screw fixation in reconstructive surgery of the cervical spine. Spine. 2000;25(8):962–9.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Kotil K, Akcetin MA, Savas Y. Neurovascular complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation. J Clin Neurosci. 2012;19(4):546–51.CrossRefPubMed Kotil K, Akcetin MA, Savas Y. Neurovascular complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation. J Clin Neurosci. 2012;19(4):546–51.CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Nakashima H, Yukawa Y, Imagama S, Kanemura T, Kamiya M, Yanase M, et al. Complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation for nontraumatic lesions: a multicenter study of 84 patients. J Neurosurg Spine. 2012;16(3):238–47.CrossRefPubMed Nakashima H, Yukawa Y, Imagama S, Kanemura T, Kamiya M, Yanase M, et al. Complications of cervical pedicle screw fixation for nontraumatic lesions: a multicenter study of 84 patients. J Neurosurg Spine. 2012;16(3):238–47.CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Neo M, Sakamoto T, Fujibayashi S, Nakamura T. The clinical risk of vertebral artery injury from cervical pedicle screws inserted in degenerative vertebrae. Spine. 2005;30(24):2800–5.CrossRefPubMed Neo M, Sakamoto T, Fujibayashi S, Nakamura T. The clinical risk of vertebral artery injury from cervical pedicle screws inserted in degenerative vertebrae. Spine. 2005;30(24):2800–5.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Tan SH, Teo EC, Chua HC. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of Chinese Singaporeans. Eur Spine J. 2004;13(2):137–46.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Tan SH, Teo EC, Chua HC. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of Chinese Singaporeans. Eur Spine J. 2004;13(2):137–46.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
18.
go back to reference Cruz JJB, Larios AG, Sanchez AG, Silva EEV. Morphometric study of cervical vertebrae C3-C7 in a population from northeastern Mexico. Int J Morphol. 2011;29(2):325–30.CrossRef Cruz JJB, Larios AG, Sanchez AG, Silva EEV. Morphometric study of cervical vertebrae C3-C7 in a population from northeastern Mexico. Int J Morphol. 2011;29(2):325–30.CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Xin-yu L, Kai Z, Laing-tai G, Yan-ping Z, Jian-min L. The anatomic and radiographic measurement of C2 lamina in Chinese population. Eur Spine J. 2011;20(12):2261–6.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed Xin-yu L, Kai Z, Laing-tai G, Yan-ping Z, Jian-min L. The anatomic and radiographic measurement of C2 lamina in Chinese population. Eur Spine J. 2011;20(12):2261–6.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
20.
go back to reference Patwardhan AR, Nemade PS, Bhosale SK, Srivastava SK. Computed tomography-based morphometric analysis of cervical pedicles in Indian population: a pilot study to assess feasibility of transpedicular screw fixation. J Postgrad Med. 2012;58(2):119–22.CrossRefPubMed Patwardhan AR, Nemade PS, Bhosale SK, Srivastava SK. Computed tomography-based morphometric analysis of cervical pedicles in Indian population: a pilot study to assess feasibility of transpedicular screw fixation. J Postgrad Med. 2012;58(2):119–22.CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Miyazaki M, Takita C, Yoshiiwa T, Itonaga I, Tsumura H. Morphological analysis of the cervical pedicles, lateral masses, and laminae in developmental canal stenosis. Spine. 2010;35(24):E1381–5.CrossRefPubMed Miyazaki M, Takita C, Yoshiiwa T, Itonaga I, Tsumura H. Morphological analysis of the cervical pedicles, lateral masses, and laminae in developmental canal stenosis. Spine. 2010;35(24):E1381–5.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Yusof MI, Ming LK, Abdullah MS, Yusof AH. Computerized tomographic measurement of the cervical pedicles diameter in a Malaysian population and the feasibility for transpedicular fixation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006;31(8):E221–4.CrossRef Yusof MI, Ming LK, Abdullah MS, Yusof AH. Computerized tomographic measurement of the cervical pedicles diameter in a Malaysian population and the feasibility for transpedicular fixation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006;31(8):E221–4.CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Harris BM, Hilibrand AS, Nien YH, Nachwalter R, Vaccaro A, Albert TJ, et al. A comparison of three screw types for unicortical fixation in the lateral mass of the cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(22):2427–31.CrossRef Harris BM, Hilibrand AS, Nien YH, Nachwalter R, Vaccaro A, Albert TJ, et al. A comparison of three screw types for unicortical fixation in the lateral mass of the cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(22):2427–31.CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Roy-Camille R, Saillant G, Laville C, Benazet JP. Treatment of lower cervical spinal injuries—C3 to C7. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992;17(10 Suppl):S442–6.CrossRef Roy-Camille R, Saillant G, Laville C, Benazet JP. Treatment of lower cervical spinal injuries—C3 to C7. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992;17(10 Suppl):S442–6.CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Levine AM, Mazel C, Roy-Camille R. Management of fracture separations of the articular mass using posterior cervical plating. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992;17(10 Suppl):S447–54.CrossRef Levine AM, Mazel C, Roy-Camille R. Management of fracture separations of the articular mass using posterior cervical plating. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992;17(10 Suppl):S447–54.CrossRef
26.
go back to reference Jeanneret B, Magerl F, Ward EH, Ward JC. Posterior stabilization of the cervical spine with hook plates. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S56–63.CrossRef Jeanneret B, Magerl F, Ward EH, Ward JC. Posterior stabilization of the cervical spine with hook plates. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S56–63.CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Anderson PA, Henley MB, Grady MS, Montesano PX, Winn HR. Posterior cervical arthrodesis with AO reconstruction plates and bone graft. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S72–9.CrossRef Anderson PA, Henley MB, Grady MS, Montesano PX, Winn HR. Posterior cervical arthrodesis with AO reconstruction plates and bone graft. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S72–9.CrossRef
28.
go back to reference An HS, Gordin R, Renner K. Anatomic considerations for plate-screw fixation of the cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(10 Suppl):S548–51.CrossRef An HS, Gordin R, Renner K. Anatomic considerations for plate-screw fixation of the cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(10 Suppl):S548–51.CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Wu JC, Huang WC, Chen YC, Shih YH, Cheng H. Stabilization of subaxial cervical spines by lateral mass screw fixation with modified Magerl’s technique. Surg Neurol. 2008;70 Suppl 1:25–33. discussion S1: doi:S0090-3019(08)00179-. Wu JC, Huang WC, Chen YC, Shih YH, Cheng H. Stabilization of subaxial cervical spines by lateral mass screw fixation with modified Magerl’s technique. Surg Neurol. 2008;70 Suppl 1:25–33. discussion S1: doi:S0090-3019(08)00179-.
30.
go back to reference Hockel K, Maier G, Rathgeb J, Merkle M, Roser F. Morphometric subaxial lateral mass evaluation allows for preoperative optimal screw trajectory planning. Eur Spine J. 2014;23(8):1705–11. doi:10.1007/s00586-014-3350-7.CrossRefPubMed Hockel K, Maier G, Rathgeb J, Merkle M, Roser F. Morphometric subaxial lateral mass evaluation allows for preoperative optimal screw trajectory planning. Eur Spine J. 2014;23(8):1705–11. doi:10.1007/s00586-014-3350-7.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Montesano PX, Juach EC, Anderson PA, Benson DR, Hanson PB. Biomechanics of cervical spine internal fixation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S10–6.CrossRef Montesano PX, Juach EC, Anderson PA, Benson DR, Hanson PB. Biomechanics of cervical spine internal fixation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(3 Suppl):S10–6.CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Errico T, Uhl R, Cooper P, Casar R, McHenry T. Pullout strength comparison of two methods of orienting screw insertion in the lateral masses of the bovine cervical spine. J Spinal Disord. 1992;5(4):459–63.CrossRefPubMed Errico T, Uhl R, Cooper P, Casar R, McHenry T. Pullout strength comparison of two methods of orienting screw insertion in the lateral masses of the bovine cervical spine. J Spinal Disord. 1992;5(4):459–63.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Ji GY, Oh CH, Park SH, Kurniawan F, Lee J, Jeon JK, et al. Feasibility of translaminar screw placement in Korean population: morphometric analysis of cervical spine. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(1):159–66. Doi: 201501159. Ji GY, Oh CH, Park SH, Kurniawan F, Lee J, Jeon JK, et al. Feasibility of translaminar screw placement in Korean population: morphometric analysis of cervical spine. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(1):159–66. Doi: 201501159.
34.
go back to reference Abdullah KG, Steinmetz MP, Mroz TE. Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the lateral masses of the lower cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009;34(14):1476–9.CrossRef Abdullah KG, Steinmetz MP, Mroz TE. Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the lateral masses of the lower cervical spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009;34(14):1476–9.CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Panjabi MM, Duranceau J, Goel V, Oxland T, Takata K. Cervical human vertebrae. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of the middle and lower regions. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(8):86–9. Panjabi MM, Duranceau J, Goel V, Oxland T, Takata K. Cervical human vertebrae. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of the middle and lower regions. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(8):86–9.
36.
go back to reference Stemper BD, Marawar SV, Yoganandan N, Shender BS, Rao RD. Quantitative anatomy of subaxial cervical lateral mass: an analysis of safe screw lengths for Roy-Camille and magerl techniques. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(8):893–7.CrossRef Stemper BD, Marawar SV, Yoganandan N, Shender BS, Rao RD. Quantitative anatomy of subaxial cervical lateral mass: an analysis of safe screw lengths for Roy-Camille and magerl techniques. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(8):893–7.CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Yusof MI, Shamsi SS. Translaminar screw fixation of the cervical spine in Asian population: feasibility and safety consideration based on computerized tomographic measurements. Surg Radiol Anat. 2012;34(3):203–7. doi:10.1007/s00276-011-0869-8.CrossRefPubMed Yusof MI, Shamsi SS. Translaminar screw fixation of the cervical spine in Asian population: feasibility and safety consideration based on computerized tomographic measurements. Surg Radiol Anat. 2012;34(3):203–7. doi:10.1007/s00276-011-0869-8.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Morphological study of the posterior osseous structures of subaxial cervical spine in a population from northeastern China
Authors
Zhenyu Wang
Jiali Leng
Jianhua Liu
Yi Liu
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-015-0194-8

Other articles of this Issue 1/2015

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 1/2015 Go to the issue