Harms C1-C2 instrumentation technique: Anatomo-surgical guide

Abstract

Study Design.: Anatomic study. Objective.: To measure C1 and C2 critical areas related to the screws trajectory, according to Harms technique, in Latin specimens. To investigate vertebral's artery course in cadavers. Summary of Background Data.: To our knowledge there are no studies addressing vertebral surface measurements for screw placement, according to Harms C1-C2 instrumentation technique, nor cadaveric measurements of the trajectory of the vertebral artery in Latin specimens. Methods.: C1 and C2 specimens were measured. C1 measurements: height, width, anteroposterior diameter (intraosseus screw length) and convergence in the axial plane of the lateral mass; length from the posterior border of the posterior C1 arch to the anterior cortex of the articular mass (total screw length). C2 measurements: width, height, convergence and sagittal inclination of the pars interarticularis. Direction of the trajectory of the vertebral artery in the suboccipital region in fresh cadavers. Resul