Our experience with Magerl's modified technique for stabilization of subaxial cervical spine

Aim: There are different surgical techniques for massa lateralis screw instrumentation of subaxial cervical spine--those of Roy-Camille, Magerl, Anderson, and An. Each has different starting point and trajectorys of screw implantation.For each technique there is a potential risk to affect vascular and neural structures.In this paper we share our experience in using a modified Magerl's technique for stabilization of subaxial cervical spine. Method:We present a retrospective study and clinical follow-up of 27 patients operated on the occasion of cervical injury that we have used the modified technique of Magerl. In 8 patients was carried and an anterior decompression and stabilization. Results: In these patients was carried posterior or combined -- posterior and anterior stabilization. The posterior fixation was massa lateralis with this modified technique of Magerl with multiaxial screws. With this technique were inserted 160 multiaxial screws and the most common length of the implants were 108 mm (108 from 160 or 67.5%). Conclusion: Based on world literature, experience and analysis of clinical cases, we believe that this modified technique for subaxial cervical fixation is effective (the pull-out strength approach to the strength of pedicle screw instrumentation) and is much safer.