C7 intra-laminar screws for complex cervicothoracic spine surgery-a case series.

Background: C7 has relatively unique anatomy compared to the remainder of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-C6) and upper thoracic spine. The C7 laminar has been previously reported in feasibility and biomechanical studies as an adequate fixation point in contrast to the lateral mass or pedicles, with few reports of its use in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to review the safety and efficacy of using the C7 laminar as a fixation point in constructs involving the cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction.

Radiologic assessment of spinal fusion.

Since surgical fusion of the spine was first described in 1911, multiple methods have been used to assess it. Although open surgical exploration remains the standard of care for determination of fusion, it is impractical in most clinical situations. Static radiographs have long been used as a practical method of fusion assessment, but they tend to significantly overestimate the presence of a solid fusion.