Analyzing parsicle screws as a viable alternative to pars screws and pedicle screws for C2 posterior instrumentation fixation

Eric Dilbone; Rishabh Gupta; Byron Stephens 2nd

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2021.05.024

Analyzing parsicle screws as a viable alternative to pars screws and pedicle screws for C2 posterior instrumentation fixation

J Orthop. 2021 May 15:25:220-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2021.05.024. eCollection 2021 May-Jun.

Authors

Eric Dilbone¹, Rishabh Gupta¹, Byron Stephens 2nd¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the possible clinical utility of "parsicle screws" in securing C2 instrumentation.

Methods: Ten patients' C2 vertebrae were virtually reconstructed using computer-aided design software. Pedicle, pars, and parsicle screws were virtually placed in the vertebrae.

Results: In addition to establishing the trajectory and theoretical safety of parsicle screws, this study determined that parsicle screws were significantly longer than pars screws (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: The additional length of parsicle screws may improve construct stability. As such, parsicle screws should be examined as an alternative to pars screws in patients unable to receive C2 pedicle screws.

Keywords: 3D model; C2; CAD; Pars; Parsicle; Pedicle.