PERSONALIZED 3D PREOPERATIVE PLANNING IN C1–C2 FIXATION: IMPACT ON THE ACCURACY AND SAFETY OF SCREW PLACEMENT
Keywords:
atlantoaxial instability, 3D planning, 3D printing, C1–C2 fixation, Goel-Harms, vertebral arteryAbstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of personalized 3D preoperative planning on the accuracy and safety of screw placement in posterior atlantoaxial fixation. Data from 10 patients with atlantoaxial instability treated using the Goel-Harms technique were analyzed. Preoperative planning was based on MSCT data using 3D Slicer with subsequent 3D printing of anatomical models. In all cases, accurate screw placement was achieved without cortical breach. The mean deviation was 12.5° ± 3.7°, and the minimum distance to the vertebral artery was 3.1 ± 0.8 mm. The operative time averaged 145 ± 18 minutes. Significant improvement in clinical outcomes (VAS, ASIA, NDI) was observed. No complications were recorded. The method improves the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of C1-C2 fixation.
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