The significance of preoperative evaluation for atlantoaxial reducibility should be reevaluated

Abstract

For treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation, the evaluation of reducibility used to be the main basis for its classification. In recent years, with the development of posterior reduction techniques, the treatment paradigm for atlantoaxial dislocation is gradually changing from a combined anterior and posterior approach to a direct posterior approach. Through posterior intra-articular release and distraction, part of atlantoaxial dislocation which is irreducible in traditional concept can become reducible. With the new proposed strategy based on posterior reduction techniques, the significance and necessity of preoperative evaluation for atlantoaxial reducibility should be reevaluated. Based on our clinical experience, we put forward our views on this hot topic for peer reference and criticism.