Screw options that offer strong cervical fixation, lower anatomic risk†,1
PILAR™ technique trajectory range is 25 to 45 degrees.
Meet the PILAR™ technique, a procedure with pedicle inlet screw options that offer less anatomic risk compared to a pedicle trajectory using a full pedicle screw.†,1 The PILAR™ technique can achieve improved fixation and streamlined workflow benefits of a traditional pedicle screw without the traditional pitfalls of neurological and vascular risk.†,1
Stronger
Stronger hold for lasting stability
The PILAR™ technique screw has demonstrated a 51% increase in pull-out strength compared to a lateral mass screw‡,1
With the PILAR™ technique, the screw stops short of neurovascular structures compared to pedicle trajectory with a full pedicle screw†,1
Strategically selecting screw length allows you to further manage anatomic risk.†,1
Simpler
Streamlined rod placement and clearer surgical access
The PILAR™ technique facilitates easier rod placement due to better screw alignment compared to lateral mass screws.†,1
This minimizes hardware obstruction in the operative corridor compared to lateral mass screws and facilitates easier laminectomies.†,1
Image courtesy of Christopher T. Martin, MD
Integrated Medtronic solutions for complete cervical fusion support
The AiBLE™ smart ecosystem, Midas Rex™ drill, and the Caption™ cervical stabilization system work together to streamline every stage of cervical fusion, from pre-op planning to intra-op precision and post-op stability.
StealthStation™ S8 navigation system
StealthStation™ navigation provides the intraoperative tool to implement the PILAR™ technique.
Caption™ cervical stabilization system
Further reduce motion of the skull clamp with the Caption™ system. In a cadaver study, the motion of the skull clamp with the stabilizer was reduced as compared to no stabilizer:†,§
53.6% reduction in AP motion
92.1% reduction in ML motion
Infinity™ 2 OCT system
The Infinity™ 2 OCT system offers the screw options for the PILAR™ technique and provides the versatility to simplify even the most complex posterior cervical procedures.
Midas Rex™ high-speed drill bit
The 2.0 by 25 mm Midas Rex™ drill bit was designed specifically to enable pilot hole creation and is compatible with the StealthStation™ navigation system.
UNiD™ adaptive spine intelligence
UNiD™ ASI can help with planning and custom rod creation for your patient’s needs.
† Cadaveric results may not be indicative of clinical performance.
‡ Validated in a cadaveric biomechanical model.
§ Medtronic data on file.
Martin CT, Bhowmick DA, Rossi V, Coric D, Pham MH, Schweitzer A, Woods D, Rawlinson JJ. Cervical Pedicle Inlet Screws: A Novel Trajectory for Navigated Sub-axial Cervical Screw Placement With Improved Biomechanical Characteristics Compared to Lateral Mass Screws. Global Spine J. 2025 Jul 8;16(1):21925682251352439. doi: 10.1177/21925682251352439. PMID: 40626463; PMCID: PMC12237946.