Superior biomechanical stability of pedicle screws compared to lateral mass screws: recommendations for bicortical positioning and enhancing bone contact in geriatric C1 vertebrae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In atlantoaxial instabilities, posterior C1/C2 fusion using lateral mass screws (LMS) or pedicle screws (PS) in a mono- or bicortical position in the atlas is a typical treatment. The bone microstructure and positioning of the screw trajectories appear to be of significant relevance for stability.

Purpose

The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of the mechanical durability of screw fixation concerning microstructural characteristics of the trajectories of LMS and PS in mono- and bicortical position.

Methods

Human C1 from geriatric body donors (n = 28; 50% female, age 80.8 ± 13.9 years) were collected and characterized based on their bone microstructure. Additionally, the mechanical stability of LMS and PS fixation in mono- and bicortical positionin

SUBMITTER: Leonhardt LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11742196 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature