INTRODUCTION: Cervical injury in a polytrauma patient is one of the most critical injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the lateral mass screw technique with the Hartshill rectangle technique for treatment of such cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 40 patients. Both groups were followed for three years clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: In the lateral mass technique, there were no cases of vertebral artery injury, radiculopathy, screw pullout, dural tears, residual kyphosis or persistent pain. In the Hartshill technique 3 patients experienced intra- operative dural tears, 1 case of wire breakage at the six months follow up, 6 patients with persistent neck pain and 1 with worsening neurological status. One hundred per cent fusion was achieved in both groups. There was significant radiation exposure in the lateral mass group. Post-operative immobilisation was required only in the Hartshill. CONCLUSION: Lateral mass screw technique is definitely a relatively better procedure. But Hartshill rectangle still stands out in certain practical situations
