A Novel Construct Incorporating C2 Unilateral Pedicle and Contralateral Translaminar Screws for Occipitocervical Internal Fixation: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study.

Background: Occipitocervical fixation using bilateral C2 pedicle screws (C0-C2BiPS) and occipitocervical fixation using bilateral C2 translaminar screws (C0-C2BiLS) provide satisfactory stability. Bilateral fixation is not feasible for cases of C2 unilateral pedicle morphology abnormality and ipsilateral laminectomy. This study proposed and evaluated novel occipitocervical fixation using C2 unilateral pedicle screw and contralateral translaminar screws (C0-C2PSLS).

Methods: In 6 human cadaveric specimens, an in vitro experiment was performed with 2.0-Nm moment control in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation to investigate biomechanical stability. Neutral zone and range of motion (ROM) between the occiput (C0) and C2 were measured in the intact state, after destabilization, and after sequential stabilization using C0-C2BiPS, C0-C2BiLS, and C0-C2PSLS constructs.

Results: Flexion-extension ROM of the intact specimens at C0-C2 was 27.4° ± 2.4°. Instrumentation with C0-C2PSLS, C0-C2BiPS, and C0-C2BiLS reduced flexion-extension ROM to 3.7° ± 1.3°, 4.7° ± 1.4°, and 4.5° ± 1.4°, respectively. In lateral bending, ROM values were 7.0° ± 0.6°, 4.5° ± 1.4°, 4.2° ± 1.4°, 2.7° ± 1.0°, respectively. In axial rotation, ROM values were 65.3° ± 5.7°, 2.5° ± 0.5°, 1.4° ± 0.5°, and 0.9° ± 0.6°, respectively. Comparing destabilized and intact specimens, all 3 constructs significantly reduced ROM and neutral zone values in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation (P < 0.05). Direct comparisons between the 3 constructs revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Novel C0-C2PSLS provides similar stabilization effect as C0-C2BiPS and C0-C2BiLS constructs and has potential for clinical use, especially for cases of C2 unilateral pedicle morphology abnormality and ipsilateral laminectomy.