A new guide tube for odontoid screw fixation for unstable odontoid fractures: report of 6 case series.

Abstract

We describe a modified form of traditional open surgery with a new guide tube. This guide tube permits anterior screwing of odontoid in a shorter time with a more simple technique as compared to traditional open surgery, endoscopic and percutaneous surgeries. Our series includes 6 patients who were operated for unstable odontoid fracture. We used a new guide tube for anterior odontoid screw fixation. This guide tube was designed by the first author to facilitate the insertion of the K-wire for placement of a cannulated lag screw. Successful placement of the odontoid screws and immediate spinal stabilization were achieved in all patients. Solid fusion was observed during follow-up time in all patients. This screw insertion technique for odontoid screw fixation provides a minimally invasive, safe and easy surgery in contrast to other surgical approaches.