How I do it: tapered rod placement across the cervicothoracic junction for augmented posterior constructs.

Abstract

Posterior instrumentation techniques are commonly employed for cervicothoracic fixation. The pedicles of the upper thoracic vertebrae can typically accommodate larger diameter screws than the subaxial cervical vertebrae. In many construct systems, this requires the use of a tapered rod, which can be technically challenging to place. Using a three-dimensionally printed biomimetic spine simulator, we illustrate the stepwise process of instrumentation and tapered rod placement across the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). Tapered rod systems can augment the biomechanical stability of cervicothoracic constructs. Ease of rod placement across the CTJ hinges upon a systematic method of instrumentation.