C2 Injuries Research Articles

Concomitant trauma of brain and upper cervical spine: lessons in injury patterns and outcomes.

The literature on concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) and traumatic spinal injury is sparse and a few, if any, studies focus on concomitant TBI and associated upper cervical injury. The objective of this study was to fill this gap and to define demographics, patterns of injury, and clinical data of this specific population. Records of patients admitted at a single trauma centre with the main diagnosis of TBI and concomitant C0-C1-C2 injury (upper cervical spine) were identified and reviewed. Demographics, clinical, and radiological variables were analyzed and compared to those of patients with TBI and: (i) C3-C7 injury (lower cervical spine); (ii) any other part of the spine other than C1-C2 injury (non-upper cervical); (iii) T1-L5 injury (thoracolumbar). 1545 patients were admitted with TBI and an associated C1-C2 injury was found in 22 (1.4%). The mean age was 64years, and 54.5% were females. Females had a higher rate of concomitant upper cervical injury (p = 0.046 vs non-upper cervical; p = 0.050 vs thoracolumbar). Patients with an upper cervical injury were significantly older (p = 0.034 vs lower cervical; p = 0.030 vs non-upper cervical). Patients older than 55years old had higher odds of an upper cervical injury when compared to the other groups (OR = 2.75). The main mechanism of trauma was road accidents (RAs) (10/22; 45.5%) All pedestrian injuries occurred in the upper cervical injured group (p = 0.015). ICU length of stay was longer for patients with an upper cervical injury (p = 0.018). Four patients died in the upper cervical injury group (18.2%), and no death occurred in other comparator groups (p = 0.003). The rate of concomitant cranial and upper cervical spine injury was 1.4%. Risk factors were female gender, age ≥ 55, and pedestrians. RAs were the most common mechanism of injury. There was an association between the upper cervical injury group and longer ICU stay as well as higher mortality rates. Increased understanding of the pattern of concomitant craniospinal injury can help guide comprehensive diagnosis, avoid missed injuries, and appropriate treatment.

Upper Cervical Spine Injuries: Profile and Management of 120 Cases.

To identify the profile and management of patients with upper cervical spine injury. Retrospective cohort study of patients with upper cervical spine injuries managed at Hospital da Restauração between 2014 and 2020. It presents the profile of 145 injuries recorded by location and classification among the 120 patients, and the management performed. Men are more affected than women, almost half of the patients (42.5%) were aged 16 to 29 years. Neurological deficit was present in 18 cases (15%). Twenty cases presented injury involving the level C1. Most injuries (109 [90.8%]) occurred at the C2 level, the most frequent of which were as follows: isolated type II odontoid fracture (29.2%), miscellaneous fracture of C2 (20%), and isolated hangman's fracture (13.3%). The most used management in type II odontoid fracture was C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis (17/42) followed by odontoid osteosynthesis (12/42). Regarding isolated hangman's fracture, conservative management was performed in 37.5% (6/16), and the technical approach most performed was anterior C2-C3 discectomy and interbody fusion (5/16). Upper cervical spine injury has a higher prevalence in young men and is most often caused by traffic accidents. The main level affected is C2, and type II odontoid fracture is the most frequent subtype. C1 injury is related to conservative treatment, while C2 or combined C1-C2 injury is related to surgical approach. The management of these injuries is mainly performed with surgical treatment, with C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis and anterior odontoid osteosynthesis representing most of the approaches.

Chronic posterior dislocation of shoulder

PurposeChronic posterior dislocation of shoulder (PDS) is an uncommon injury and there are very few publications describing its different injury patterns and their treatment. This study was carried out to study the associated injuries in chronic PDS, which can help to classify and guide the treatment. MethodsWe retrospectively studied 16 chronic posterior dislocation of shoulder. CT scan was used to classify the injury based on the amount of bone loss in humeral head, malunion of greater tuberosity and malunion of proximal humerus metaphysis. Visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, university of California Los Angles (UCLA) shoulder score and American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) shoulder score were recorded pre operatively and at an average of 27 months post operatively. Results– Type A1 injury was PDS with <50% humeral head bone loss with intact greater tuberosity (GT). It was managed by modified McLaughlin procedure (MMP). Type A2 injury was PDS with >50% bone loss with intact GT. It was managed by hemi-replacement (HRA). Type B1 injury was PDS with <50% bone loss with severe GT malunion. It was managed by MMP and corrective osteotomy of GT. Type B2 injury was PDS with >50% bone loss and severe GT malunion. It was managed by reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Type C1 injury was PDS with <50% bone loss and metaphyseal malunion. It was managed by MMP and osteotomy of proximal humeral metaphysis. Type C2 injury was PDS with >50% bone loss and metaphyseal malunion. It was managed by HRA. The VAS, UCLA score and ASES score improved significantly after the surgery in all cases. There was no recurrence of the instability ConclusionsWe concluded that chronic PDS could have fractures of tuberosities and/or proximal metaphysis in addition to bone loss in humeral head. The treatment is guided by all three factors-amount of bone loss in humeral head, malunion of GT and proximal humeral metaphysis. The proposed classification can help in choosing the optimum treatment out of joint salvage procedure, anatomic shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Surgical Outcomes for C2 Tear Drop Fractures: Clinical Relevance to Hangman's Fracture and C2-3 Discoligamentous Injury.

ObjectiveTo analyze characteristics of surgically managed tear drop (TD) fractures of the C2 axis associated with other injuries such as hangman's fracture and C2‐3 discoligamentous injury as well as treatment outcomes.MethodsA total of 14 patients (eight men and six women) with TD fractures of the C2, who were surgically treated at four national trauma centers of tertiary university hospitals from January 2000 to December 2017, were included in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was 45.5 years (ranging from 19 to 74 years). The characteristics, surgical treatment methods (anterior fusion vs posterior fusion), and results of 14 TD fractures of the C2 were analyzed retrospectively. And the clinical relevance between C2 TD fracture and hangman's fracture and C2‐3 discoligamentous injury was investigated through the co‐occurrence between injuries. The mean follow‐up time after surgery was 22.6 months (ranging from 12 to 60 months).ResultsAmong 14 patients with TD fracture of the C2, four patients (28.6%) had anterior TD fracture and 10 patients (71.4%) had posterior TD fracture. All 10 posterior TD fracture patients had anterior C2‐3 displacement. While two of four anterior TD fracture patients had posterior C2‐3 displacement, the remaining two did not. All 14 patients of TD fracture had at least two or more other associated C2 injuries as well as C2‐3 discoligamentous injuries. About 92.9% (13/14) of the patients had typical or atypical hangman's fracture; 100% (10/10) of the posterior TD fracture patients had hangman's fracture, but 75% (3/4) of the anterior TD fracture had hangman's fracture. At admission, 13 patients were neurologically intact. However, the remaining patient had spinal cord injury with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale B with C2‐3 bilateral facet dislocation. All four anterior TD fracture patients underwent posterior C2‐3 fusion. While four of 10 posterior TD fracture patients underwent C2‐3 anterior fusion, the remaining six underwent posterior fusion. At last follow‐up, 100% (14/14) of the patients achieved solid fusion, and visual analog scale for neck pain was significantly improved (5.9 vs 2.2, P < 0.001). One patient with ASIA impairment scale B had significantly improved to scale D. No major complications occurred.ConclusionOur study showed that surgically managed TD fractures of the C2 showed a high incidence of other associated spine injuries including hangman's fracture and C2‐3 discoligamentous injury. Therefore, special attention and careful radiologic evaluation are needed to investigate the presence of other associated spine injuries including hangman's fracture and C2‐3 discoligamentous injury, which are likely to require surgery.

Proposal of Treatment Strategy for Pedicle Fractures of the C2: An Analysis of 49 Cases.

Spine surgeons often confuse C2 pedicle fractures (PFs) with pars interarticularis fractures. In addition, little information is available about the characteristics and treatment strategies for C2 PFs. We sought to investigate the characteristics of C2 PFs and to propose an appropriate treatment strategy. A total of forty-nine patients with C2 PFs were included in this study. We divided these patients into unilateral and bilateral C2 PF groups. The incidence rates and characteristics of other associated C2 and C2-3 injuries, and other cervical injuries, were evaluated. In addition, treatment methods and outcomes were analyzed. Twenty-two patients had unilateral C2 PFs and twenty-seven patients had bilateral C2 PFs. Among the cases of unilateral C2 PFs, all patients had one or more other C2 fractures, and twenty patients (90.9%) had one or two C2 body fractures. Meanwhile, among the cases of bilateral C2 PF, all patients had two or more other C2 fractures and one or two C2 body fractures. In unilateral C2 PFs, three patients with C2-3 anterior slip or adjacent cervical spine (C1-3) injury underwent surgery and nineteen patients (86.4%) were treated with conservative methods. In bilateral C2 PFs, three patients with C2-3 anterior slip or SCI at C2-3 underwent surgery and twenty-four patients (88.9%) were treated with conservative methods. Our results showed that C2 PFs do not occur alone and are always accompanied by other associated C2 injuries. C2 PFs should, generally, be thought of as a more complex fracture type than hangman’s fracture or dens fracture. Despite the complex fracture characteristics, most C2 PFs can be managed with conservative treatment. However, surgical treatments should be considered if the C2 PFs are accompanied by the C2-3 anterior slip and adjacent cervical spine injury.

Analysis of Nonunion in Conservatively Managed Anterior Tear Drop Fractures of C2 Vertebra.

Many anterior C2 (2nd cervical vertebra) tear drop (TD) fractures can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. However, due to the occurrence of nonunion, large-sized or complex anterior C2 TD fractures undergo surgical treatment. To date, no surgical treatment guidelines are available about anterior C2 TD fractures. Therefore, we performed this study to investigate the factors that may affect nonunion for anterior C2 TD fractures and to suggest surgical treatment guidelines. Thirty-three patients with anterior C2 TD fractures, who underwent conservative treatment and had a minimum 1-year follow-up, were divided into union (N = 26) and nonunion (N = 7) groups. Their radiological and clinical data were analyzed retrospectively and compared between the two groups. The avulsion fracture ratio (29.5% vs. 43.3%, p < 0.05) and fracture displacement (3.6 mm vs. 5.1 mm, p < 0.05) were higher in the nonunion group compared to the union group. Incidence of associated C2 injury was higher in the nonunion group compared to the union group (15.4% vs. 57.1%, p < 0.05). Union status was negatively correlated with associated C2 injury (correlation coefficient, CC = −0.398, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that surgical treatment could be considered for anterior C2 TD fractures with an avulsion fracture ratio > 43%, fracture displacement > 5 mm, or associated C2 injury.

Conservative treatment and outcome of upper cervical spine fractures in young children: A STROBE-compliant case series.

Cervical spine (C-spine) fractures in young children are very rare, and little information on treatment modalities and functional, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome exists. In this 2-center, retrospective case series, we assessed subjective and functional mid-term outcomes in children aged ≤5 years whose C-spine fractures were treated nonoperatively.Between 2000 and 2018, 6 children (median age at injury: 23.5 months; range: 16–31 months) with C1 or C2 injuries were treated with Minerva cast/brace or soft collar brace at 1 of the 2 study centers. Two patients suffered C1 fractures, and 4 patients had lysis of the odontoid synchondrosis. Overall, 3 children had sustained polytrauma. One child died due to the consequences of massive head injury.For the primary outcome parameter, we recorded subjective symptoms such as pain and functional restrictions due to the sequelae of C-spine injuries at follow-up.Based on medical records, we also assessed the causes of injury, diagnostic procedures, treatments and complications, and time to fracture consolidation.Median follow-up of the 5 surviving children was 51 months (range: 36–160 months). At the latest follow-up, 4 of 5 children did not complain of any pain. One child who sustained an open head injury in combination with a subluxation of the odontoid and undisplaced fracture of the massa lateralis reported occasional headache. All patients experienced complete fracture healing and normal range of motion of the cervical spine.Median duration of cast/brace treatment was 8.5 weeks. Fracture healing was confirmed by computed tomography in all patients.All C-spine injuries were managed with either Minerva cast/Halo brace or soft collar brace without complications.In our retrospective case series, nonoperative treatment of atlas fractures and dislocations or subluxations of the odontoid in young children using Minerva casts or prefabricated Halo braces resulted in good subjective and functional outcomes at mid-term. We observed no complications of conservative treatment of C1 and C2 injuries in young children.

Effects of aerobic exercise training on muscle plasticity in a mouse model of cervical spinal cord injury

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent life-altering motor and respiratory deficits. Other than mechanical ventilation for respiratory insufficiency secondary to cervical SCI, effective treatments are lacking and the development of animal models to explore new therapeutic strategies are needed. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of using a mouse model of partial cervical spinal hemisection at the second cervical metameric segment (C2) to investigate the impact of 6 weeks training on forced exercise wheel system on locomotor/respiratory plasticity muscles. To measure run capacity locomotor and respiratory functions, incremental exercise tests and diaphragmatic electromyography were done. In addition, muscle fiber type composition and capillary distribution were assessed at 51 days following chronic C2 injury in diaphragm, extensor digitorum communis (EDC), tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles. Six-week exercise training increased the running capacity of trained SCI mice. Fiber type composition in EDC, TA and SOL muscles was not modified by our protocol of exercise. The vascularization was increased in all muscle limbs in SCI trained group. No increase in diaphragmatic electromyography amplitude of the diaphragm muscle on the side of SCI was observed, while the contraction duration was significantly decreased in sedentary group compared to trained group. Cross-sectional area of type IIa myofiber in the contralateral diaphragm side of SCI was smaller in trained group. Fiber type distribution between contralateral and ipsilateral diaphragm in SCI sedentary group was affected, while no difference was observed in trained group. In addition, the vascularization of the diaphragm side contralateral to SCI was increased in trained group. All these results suggest an increase in fatigue resistance and a contribution to the running capacity in SCI trained group. Our exercise protocol could be a promising non-invasive strategy to sustain locomotor and respiratory muscle plasticity following SCI.

Permanent diaphragmatic deficits and spontaneous respiratory plasticity in a mouse model of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

High spinal cord injuries (SCI) lead to permanent respiratory insufficiency, and the search for new therapeutics to restore this function is essential. To date, the most documented preclinical model for high SCI is the rat cervical C2 hemisection. However, molecular studies with this SCI model are limited due to the poor availability of genetically modified specimens. The aim of this work was to evaluate the pathophysiology of respiratory activity following a cervical C2 injury at different times post-injury in a C57BL/6 mouse model. No significant spontaneous recovery of diaphragmatic activity was observed up to 30 days post-injury in eupneic condition. However, during a respiratory challenge, i.e. mild asphyxia, a partial restoration of the injured diaphragm was observed at 7 days post-injury, corresponding to the crossed phrenic phenomenon. Interestingly, the diaphragmatic recording between 2 respiratory bursts on the injured side showed an amplitude increase between 1–7 days post-injury, reflecting a change in phrenic motoneuronal excitability. This increase in inter-burst excitability returned to pre-injured values when the crossed phrenic phenomenon started to be effective at 7 days post-injury. Taken together, these results demonstrate the ability of the mouse respiratory system to express long-lasting plasticity following a C2 cervical hemisection and genetically modified animals can be used to study the pathophysiological effects on these plasticity phenomena.

An Assistive Magnetic Skin System: Enabling Technology for Quadriplegics

People with quadriplegia no longer have control over their legs, neither the hands and cannot continue living their life independently. On top of that, severely injured quadriplegics (i.e., C1 and C2 injuries) suffer from speaking difficulties and minimal head and neck movements. With the advancement in wearable artificial skins and the Internet‐of‐Things, realizing comfortable and practical solutions for quadriplegics is more tangible than ever. Herein, a comprehensive assistive magnetic skin system is presented that allows quadriplegics, including the severely injured ones, to move around individually and control their surroundings with ease. The system tracks facial expressions by tracking the movement of magnetic tattoos attached to the face, using magnetic field sensors incorporated into eyeglasses. The magnetic tattoos are made of highly flexible, stretchable, breathable, and biocompatible magnetic skins. In combination with smart‐glasses, smart‐wheelchair, and smart‐gadgets, the users can move around and control their environment with their facial expressions. The system is also designed to allow quadriplegics to perform outdoor activities effortlessly. It supports line‐of‐sight communication and does not require pretethering to the smart‐gadgets, unlike the existing solutions. Thus, enabling the user to walk on pathways, activate pedestrian lights, control public elevators, and perform various outdoor activities independently.

Radiostereometric Analysis Allows Assessment of the Stability and Inducible Displacement of Pelvic Ring Disruptions during Healing: A Case Series.

There is currently no accurate data on fracture displacement during the rehabilitation of pelvic ring injuries. This study investigated the use of radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in assessing the stability of C1 pelvic ring injuries stabilised with a posterior plate and an anterior external fixator. Six patients, instructed to weight-bear as tolerated after surgery, were reviewed at 2, 4, 6, 12, 26, 52 and 104 weeks. The external fixators were removed at 6 weeks. Outcomes, including the Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS), and complications were recorded. Fracture stability was assessed using measurements on plain radiographs and RSA. All patients progressed to full weight-bearing without support within 6 weeks. At 104 weeks, the IPS was excellent in four patients, good in one patient and fair in one patient. Plain radiographs showed that all fractures were well reduced, and no loss of reduction occurred over time. By contrast, RSA measurements identified displacement in all cases. The maximum three-dimensional (3D) displacement at any time point in each patient ranged from 2 to 10 mm. Two patients with the largest displacement over time had the lowest IPS. RSA also demonstrated displacements above the currently defined normal threshold through the ‘un-injured’ sacroiliac joint in the same two patients, suggesting a subtle C2 injury, missed at initial assessment. This study demonstrates the limitations of plain radiographs in assessing pelvic fracture stability and displacement during healing, and the potential of RSA to monitor more accurately the effects of stabilisation and weight-bearing on fracture stability.

Combination of a Gellan Gum-Based Hydrogel With Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Cervical spinal cord trauma represents more than half of the spinal cord injury (SCI) cases worldwide. Respiratory compromise, as well as severe limb motor deficits, are among the main consequences of cervical lesions. In the present work, a Gellan Gum (GG)-based hydrogel modified with GRGDS peptide, together with adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), was used as a therapeutic strategy after a C2 hemisection SCI in rats. Hydrogel or cells alone, and a group without treatment, were also tested. Four weeks after injury, compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were performed to assess functional phrenic motor neuron (PhMN) innervation of the diaphragm; no differences were observed amongst groups, confirming that the PhMN pool located between C3 and C5 was not affected by the C2 injury or by the treatments. In the same line, the vast majority of diaphragmatic neuromuscular junctions remained intact. Five weeks post-injury, inspiratory bursting of the affected ipsilateral hemidiaphragm was evaluated through EMG recordings of dorsal, medial and ventral subregions of the muscle. All treatments significantly increased EMG amplitude at the ventral portion in comparison to untreated animals, but only the combinatorial group presented increased EMG amplitude at the medial portion of the hemidiaphragm. No differences were observed in forelimb motor function, neither in markers for axonal regrowth (neuronal tracers), astrogliosis (GFAP) and inflammatory cells (CD68). Moreover, using Von Frey testing of mechanical allodynia, it was possible to find a significant effect of the group combining hydrogel and cells on hypersensitivity; rats with a SCI displayed an increased response of the contralateral forelimb to a normally innocuous mechanical stimulus, but after treatment with the combinatorial therapy this behavior was reverted almost to the levels of uninjured controls. These results suggest that our therapeutic approach may have beneficial effects on both diaphragmatic recovery and sensory function.

A Word of Caution: Success May Be Limited to 2 Years and Highly Displaced OTA/AO B2 and C2 Injuries: Commentary on an article by Alexander Nilsskog Fraser, MD, et al.: "Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Superior to Plate Fixation at 2 Years for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly. A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial".

Commentary I would like to congratulate Fraser et al. on a well-conducted study from which we are able to draw a narrow but strong conclusion: for the displaced anatomic neck fracture with involvement of the lesser and greater tuberosities, a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) yields improved outcome at a 2-year follow-up across a population of patients. It is important to acknowledge that results are superior at 2 years and superior in this injury pattern, not generally superior postoperatively or for other broad definitions of proximal humeral fracture. There was a mean difference in the Constant score of 13.4 points overall and 18.7 points for C2 fractures for this modest timeframe and in these fracture patterns. Both exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of 10 points, according to the article by Fraser et al. This article is well organized and written, easy to understand, and comprehensive. The strengths of the investigation include a well-powered cohort for the primary outcome variable, the Constant score, although it was underpowered for secondary outcomes and subgroup analysis. Additionally, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were well established, and I like that Fraser et al. stuck to the controversial treatment groups of the OTA B2 and C2 fractures and, at that, only those with severely angulated and displaced parameters of >45° valgus or >30° varus on an anteroposterior radiographic view or >45° angulation on a scapular Y radiographic view. Although there was a high percentage of excluded patients (54% [146 of 270 patients] with OTA/AO B2 and C2 fractures), most exclusions were due to the patients not meeting displacement criteria, ultimately leaving 60 patients in the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group and 64 patients in the reverse TSA group. It was outstanding that the physiotherapists performing measurements were blinded to the procedure during the measurement of outcome parameters and were different from those physiotherapists rendering treatment. Further, in this study, the same surgeons performed the arthroplasties and ORIF, which has the advantage of consistency of technique and protocol in each treatment arm. However, the possible downside is that this circumstance may also introduce bias for 1 treatment arm given that the operating surgeons were likely shoulder surgeons by training. We should not conclude that, for every patient and every surgeon, improved results can be expected with one modality over another. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) helps to give us a guideline for a population of patients treated by a population of surgeons; therefore, it should be obvious that within those populations there exist patients who will outperform the mean in both treatment groups, and the same is true for the surgeon. This RCT does not tell us what the optimal outcome is at the onset of treatment for any individual patient, nor even whether optimal reverse TSA is better than optimal ORIF; therefore, we must be circumspect in counseling our patients, taking into consideration variables that could make them better candidates for a particular technique or that may make the surgeon more facile with another technique. What would not be appropriate is to conclude that reverse TSA is better than ORIF for proximal humeral fractures. We must beware; it is only a 2-year study. If there was a 25% revision rate for reverse TSA at 5 to 10 years, then the superior results would be reversed, and we would be reinventing another wheel in orthopaedics again. I commend the authors for an excellent study, and I am pleased to learn that this study group is in the midst of mining longer-term results that would elevate our understanding further regarding this very important fracture for which excellent treatment results have been hard to find.

Evaluation of mid-term clinical and radiologic outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of lisfranc fracture-dislocations: A case series

Aim: To evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiologic outcomes after surgical treatment of Lisfranc fracture dislocations. Material and Methods: Twenty unstable Lisfranc joint fracture dislocation patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were evaluated retrospectively. Kirschner wire, screw or a combination of Kirschner wire (K-wire) and screw fixation were used in the internal fixation. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society - Midfoot Scale (AOFAS-MS) score, Maryland foot score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and SF-36 survey were obtained at the last follow-up. Nonunion, implant failure, reduction quality and the degree of posttraumatic arthritis were evaluated on the AP, lateral and oblique foot radiographs. The outcome measures included the Kellgren-Lawrence grading of osteoarthritis and the Stein’s criteria for anatomic reduction.Results: The mean follow-up duration was 3.7±1.4 years. Mean AOFAS and Maryland foot scores were 75.3±1.72 and 71.8±2.3, respectively. Nonunion was developed in three patients (15%) and posttraumatic arthritis was observed in 7 patients (35%).Conclusion: Good overall clinical and radiologic outcomes can be obtained in the mid-term follow up after open reduction and internal fixation of Lisfranc fracture dislocations. However, higher-energy injuries such as open fracture-dislocations and Myerson type C2 injuries have poor outcomes.Keywords: Fracture dislocation; lisfranc; open reduction; arthritis.

Individual Surgical Strategy Using Posterior Lag Screw–Rod Technique for Unstable Atypical Hangman's Fracture Based on Different Fracture Patterns

The literature on surgical management of atypical hangman's fracture (AHF) is sparse. The aim of this study was to describe an individual surgical strategy using a lag screw-rod technique for treatment of unstable AHF based on different fracture patterns. A retrospective analysis of 23 patients with unstable AHF was performed. Fractures were classified into 3 patterns: A, 1 fracture line through 1 side of C2 body obliquely and another through pars interarticularis on the other side; B, 1 fracture line through 1 side of C2 body obliquely and another through contralateral lamina; C, bilateral oblique fracture lines through posterior cortex of C2 on different sides. Posterior C2-C3 pedicle screw fixation and fusion using a lag screw-rod technique with different surgical strategies for each fracture pattern was used for all patients. Complications, neck pain, neurologic status, reduction of anterior translation and angulation between C2 and C3, and fusion rate were evaluated. No technique-related complications (e.g., spinal cord or nerve injury caused by malposition of screws) occurred. Mean follow-up time was 37 months. Satisfactory reduction and bony union were demonstrated on postoperative radiographs. Neck pain and neurologic deficits caused by C2 injury improved significantly in all patients after operation. No graft or implant-related complications were observed in patients during the entire follow-up period. Using individual surgical strategies based on different fracture patterns, the posterior C2-C3 lag screw-rod technique may be an effective and reliable option for unstable AHF.

Ventral decompression techniques in patients with traumatic and non-traumatic atlanto-axial dislocations

The study objective was to improve surgical management of patients with ventral compression of the spinal cord in the setting of AAD of various genesis. We analyzed treatment outcomes in 250 patients with C1 and C2 injuries and diseases for the period between 2002 and 2016. Persistent ventral compression of the neural structures in the setting of AAD was detected in 34 (13.6%) patients. Anterior or posterior dislocation was in 21 patients, vertical dislocation occurred in 7 patients, and mixed (anterior and vertical) occurred in 6 cases. The causes of AAD included odontoid fractures (21 patients, 61.8%), Jefferson fractures (6 patients, 17.6%), atlas transverse ligament rupture (1 patient, 2.9%), rheumatoid arthritis (4 patients, 11.8%), and nonspecific spondylitis (2 patients, 5.9%). All dislocations were divided into Halo-tractable and Halo-intractable ones. In 24 cases, ventral decompression was achieved due to Halo reposition. Additional resection of a compressing substrate was performed through the submandibular approach in 4 patients, through the transoral approach in 5 patients, and through the transnasal approach in 1 case. In the postoperative period, complications in the form of pharyngeal edema developed in 1 patient after transoral decompression. In the other cases, there were no postoperative complications. All patients had improvement in their condition in the form of regression of a neurological deficit. Halo reposition is a technique eliminating, completely or partially, ventral compression in certain traumatic and non-traumatic dislocations. The choice of a surgical corridor should be performed after preliminary Halo correction. If the nasopalatine line runs in the odontoid neck projection, the submandibular approach may be used in the case of a Halo-tractable dislocation, and the endonasal approach may be used in the case of a Halo-intractable dislocation.

Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures.

To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the surgical management of adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fractures. We performed a retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 31 consecutive adolescent patients surgically treated for acute distal humerus intra-articular fractures. Nine patients returned for objective measures of range of motion, strength testing, and completion of validated outcome scores including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH); and the SF-36. The average age at the time of injury was 13.5 years (range, 12 to 16 y) with a mean follow-up of 1.22 years (range, 9 d to 5.5 y). Multiple surgical approaches were performed. Overall, the active range of motion for our patients was 10.7 to 133.9 degrees with a mean arc of 123.4 degrees. AO classification type C2 and C3 injuries lost significantly more motion than other fracture patterns. Twelve patients sustained perioperative nerve palsies that resolved by final follow-up; seven of these nerve injuries were iatrogenic and sustained during a Bryan-Morrey tricepital slide approach. Eight patients required implant removal; 7 of these patients had prominent olecranon screws after an olecranon osteotomy. Including postoperative neuropathies, there were 20 complications in 15 patients. Thirteen complications in 9 patients required a return to the operating room. Of the 9 patients who returned for objective testing, there was no statistically significant loss of range of motion or strength of the injured extremity when compared with the uninjured limb. The MEPS revealed 6 excellent, 1 good, and 2 fair results. The average DASH score was 5.1 (range, 0 to 19.1) and the physical (average 55.7; range, 47.4 to 59.0) and mental components (average 54.2; range, 29.8 to 63.4) of the SF-36 were comparable. After surgical intervention for an adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fracture, one can expect no significant loss of motion or strength. The reported outcomes are not all excellent. The peri-operative complication rates are high and may be related to surgical approach and fracture pattern. Level IV.

Reorganization of Respiratory Descending Pathways following Cervical Spinal Partial Section Investigated by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Rat.

High cervical spinal cord injuries lead to permanent respiratory deficits. One preclinical model of respiratory insufficiency in adult rats is the C2 partial injury which causes unilateral diaphragm paralysis. This model allows the investigation of a particular population of respiratory bulbospinal axons which cross the midline at C3-C6 spinal segment, namely the crossed phrenic pathway. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to study supraspinal descending respiratory pathways in the rat. Interestingly, a lateral C2 injury does not affect the amplitude and latency of the largest motor-evoked potential recorded from the diaphragm (MEPdia) ipsilateral to the injury in response to a single TMS pulse, compared to a sham animal. Although the rhythmic respiratory activity on the contralateral diaphragm is preserved at 7 days post-injury, no diaphragm activity can be recorded on the injured side. However, a profound reorganization of the MEPdia evoked by TMS can be observed. The MEPdia is reduced on the non-injured rather than the injured side. This suggests an increase in ipsilateral phrenic motoneurons excitability. Moreover, correlations between MEPdia amplitude and spontaneous contralateral diaphragmatic activity were observed. The larger diaphragm activity correlated with a larger MEPdia on the injured side, and a smaller MEPdia on the non-injured side. This suggests, for the first time, the occurrence of a functional neuroplasticity process involving changes in motoneuron excitability balance between the injured and non-injured sides at a short post-lesional delay.

Evaluation of the Nrf2‐mediated anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory responses in phrenic motoneurons following C2 hemisection in adult rat

The consequences of high cervical spinal cord injuries are permanent respiratory deficits and deleterious inflammatory and oxidative reactions, which may prevent any spontaneous functional recovery. Our laboratory has successfully mastered a preclinical model of respiratory insufficiency consisting in a C2 partial injury which leads to unilateral phrenic and diaphragm paralysis in the adult rat. This injury induces a gradual microglial activation and a macrophage infiltration around the deafferented phrenic motoneurons, identified by Cholera Toxin B‐fragment back‐labeling, hours to days post‐injury. iNOS and C/EBP δ protein levels, two transcriptional factors involved in pro‐inflammatory response, were increased overtime within the phrenic motoneurons. Interestingly, the injury induced a transient reduction in Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor E2‐Related Factor 2) protein, a key regulator in the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative responses, in the phrenic motoneurons, that was restored to control level at 7 days post‐injury. Our results show that the C2 injury negatively modulates the Nrf2 and the protective mechanisms within the phrenic motoneurons and their vicinity. This suggests a potential therapeutic role of Nrf2 in ameliorating the functional recovery of phrenic motoneurons by reducing the inflammatory and oxidative damages following spinal cord injury.

Motion generated in the unstable upper cervical spine during head tilt–chin lift and jaw thrust maneuvers

Background contextAlthough it is essential to maintain a secure airway in a trauma patient, it is also critical to protect the potentially injured cervical spine. It has previously been suggested that the jaw thrust maneuver be used in place of the head tilt–chin lift in the suspected spine-injured patient. PurposeWe sought to examine whether the jaw thrust was in fact safer to use in the setting of an unstable upper cervical spine injury. MethodsUnstable, dissociative C1–C2 injuries were surgically created in nine fresh, lightly embalmed human cadaver specimens. An electromagnetic motion analysis device was used to assess the amount of angular and linear motion with sensors placed above and below the injured segment. Measurements were recorded during execution of the two airway maneuvers. Trials were performed both with and without a cervical immobilization collar in place. ResultsThere was almost twice as much angular motion in all planes when performing a head tilt–chin lift as compared with the jaw thrust, and this was statistically significant (p<.013). In addition, there was more displacement at the injured level with a head tilt–chin lift as compared with the jaw thrust. This was statistically significant for axial displacement and anteroposterior translation (p=.003 for both), and approached significance for mediolateral translation (p=.056). ConclusionsThe jaw thrust maneuver results in less motion at an unstable C1–C2 injury as compared with the head tilt–chin lift maneuver. We therefore recommend the use of the jaw thrust to improve airway patency in the trauma patient with suspected cervical spine injury.