Techniques of subaxial posterior cervical spine fusions: an overview.

Abstract

The various methods for posterior cervical stabilization techniques allow successful fusion in almost all instances and indications. The choice is primarily dependent on the surgeon's training, experience, and preference, and is subsequently narrowed by the available intact and stable anatomy unique to each patient's injury. Despite the availability of multiple stabilization techniques and their widespread use, these techniques should be performed only by surgeons familiar and comfortable with the approach, anatomy, and stabilization techniques, and with the care of patients with mechanical and neurological injuries to the cervical spine.