3-Dimensional printing templates guiding versus free hand technique for cervical lateral mass screw fixation: A prospective study

• Published in: Journal of clinical neuroscience 2020-08, Vol.78, p.252-258
• Main Authors: Feng, Shitong, Lin, Jisheng, SU, Nan, Meng, Hai, Yang, Yong, Fei, Qi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-Dimensional (3D) printing templates; Cervical lateral mass screw; Cervical spondylotic myelopathy; Precise
• ISSN: 0967-5868; 1532-2653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.04.008

In this randomized, single blind and controlled study, the feasibility and precision of 3-dimensional printing templates for cervical lateral mass screw insertion was evaluated. A total of 6 patients (72 screws), who were diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and developmental cervical spinal stenosis, were randomly divided into A and B two groups. All subjects underwent modified posterior surgery with using cervical lateral mass screws insertion (C4–C6). Group A underwent surgeries with screw insertion assisted by the guidance of 3-dimensional printing templates and Group B underwent surgeries with screw insertion by freehand. The criteria of the accuracy of screw placement were set as the main evaluation indicators. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, improvement rate of JOA, operation time and blood loss. According to Bayard’s criteria, 32 screws (88.9%) were described as “acceptable” in group A and 22 screws (61.1%) were described as “acceptable” in Group B (P