lateral mass screw
A type of cervical spine fixation hardware placed into the lateral mass of cervical vertebrae for posterior stabilization.
Full Definition
Lateral mass screws are specialized fixation devices used in posterior cervical spine surgery to achieve rigid stabilization and fusion. These screws are inserted into the lateral mass, which is the thickened portion of bone between the superior and inferior articular processes of cervical vertebrae C3-C6. The technique was popularized by Magerl and later modified by Anderson, with specific angulation requirements to avoid injury to nerve roots and vertebral arteries. Lateral mass screw fixation provides excellent biomechanical stability and is commonly used in multilevel cervical fusions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify technique used (Magerl, Anderson) and vertebral levels; not applicable for C1-C2 or subaxial levels below C6.
In Context
- "Posterior cervical fusion was performed using lateral mass screws from C3 to C6." — operative report
- "The lateral mass screw trajectory was planned to avoid vertebral artery injury." — preoperative planning note