Title
The use of sublaminar wiring in the sub-axial cervical spine as an adjuvant to lateral mass and pedicle screw fixation in a patient with metastatic carcinoma of the upper thoracic spine
Recommended Citation
Whaley CC, Young M, Seibly JM. The Use of Sublaminar Wiring in the Sub-Axial Cervical Spine as an Adjuvant to Lateral Mass and Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Patient with Metastatic Carcinoma of the Upper Thoracic Spine. Cureus. 2020 Jan 15;12(1):e6671. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6671. PMID: 32104614; PMCID: PMC7026871
Abstract
A 60-year-old male presented with kyphotic deformity caused by a non-small cell lung cancer metastasis in the cervical-thoracic junction. His pathology caused spinal cord compression and segmental instability. The patient underwent a posterior decompression to try and improve neurological function as well as posterior lateral mass and pedicle screw fixation crossing the cervical-thoracic junction to stabilize his instability. A novel technique incorporating sublaminar wiring across a cross-link was utilized to increase pull out strength of the superior lateral mass screws. Also included is a discussion regarding the safe use of sublaminar wires, the history of posterior cervical and thoracic fusion, and the prevalence of instrumentation failure.
Document Type
Article
PubMed ID
32104614
DOI
10.7759/cureus.6671
Affiliations
Neurosurgery, Advocate Health Care
Neurosurgery, Advocate Health Care