Published online Oct 18, 2016. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v7.i10.695
Peer-review started: February 28, 2016
First decision: June 12, 2016
Revised: June 25, 2016
Accepted: August 15, 2016
Article in press: August 16, 2016
Published online: October 18, 2016
Processing time: 228 Days and 11.6 Hours
Although laminar screw fixation is often used at the C2 and C7 levels, only few previous case reports have presented the use of laminar screws at the C3-C6 levels. Here, we report a novel fixation method involving the use of practical laminar screws in the subaxial spine. We used laminar screws in the subaxial cervical spine in two cases to prevent vertebral artery injury and in one case to minimize exposure of the lamina. This laminar screw technique was successful in all three cases with adequate spinal rigidity, which was achieved without complications. The use of laminar screws in the subaxial cervical spine is a useful option for posterior fusion of the cervical spine.
Core tip: Laminar screw fixation is often used at the C2 and C7 levels, however, only few previous case reports have presented the use of laminar screws at the C3-C6 levels. In this article, the authors describe a novel fixation method involving the use of laminar screws in the subaxial spine with adequate spinal rigidity, which was achieved without complications.