Revealing the potential: radiological assessment of pedicle screw placement in the craniocervical junction and upper cervical spine

In conclusion, while pedicle screw placement is feasible in every second patient based on the pedicle height of the first cervical vertebra, gender-specific differences must be considered during preoperative planning. In contrast to C1, pedicle screw placement is possible in 70 to 100% of patients in C3 to C5. These findings underscore the importance of individualized treatment strategies in spinal stabilization procedures.