Posterior Cervicothoracic Instrumentation: Testing the Clinical Efficacy of Tapered Rods (Dual-Diameter Rods).

Study Design: Prospective study.

Objective: To study the clinical efficacy of tapered rods in posterior cervicothoracic instrumentation.

Summary Of Background Data: The cervicothoracic spine is a junctional area with complex biomechanics.

Microendoscopic excision of C2 osteoid osteoma: a technical report.

Study Design: Case report and description of technique.

Objective: To describe a microendoscopic posterior approach for excision of an osteoid osteoma of C2.

Summary Of Background Data: Microendoscopic techniques are widely used in the management of degenerative disorders of the spine.

Should we cross the cross-links?

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To assess critically if cross-links are necessary adjuvants in posterior spinal constructs.

Summary Of Background Data: Although numerous biomechanical studies are available in the literature, there has been no clinical study that has evaluated the need for cross-links in clinical situations.