Odontoid Process Of C2 Research Articles

Woman with agonal breathing.

A 42-year-old healthy woman with cerebral palsy, oriented consciousness, and partial dependence in daily activities at baseline reported gradual decrease in muscle strength in all her limbs for 6 months. The patient became comatose with agonal breathing unexpectedly during the night hours without any warning. Initial clinical presentation showed a very slow respiratory rate of 8 times/min and SpO2 = 92% under non-rebreathing mask covering. Atrial blood gas test revealed hypercapnic respiratory acidosis (pH, 6.9; PCO2 > 200 mmHg). Intubation was performed immediately. Chest radiography showed no active lesions (Figure 1). Her consciousness returned to baseline a few hours after intubation, but she developed quadriplegia. Brain computed tomography showed no obvious lesions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed no obvious lesion but incidentally revealed C2 odontoid process fracture with cord indentation (Figure 2). Cervical MRI showed displaced odontoid process fracture with cord compression, causing myelopathy at C2–C4 levels (Figure 3). It is challenging to diagnose spinal cord injury (SCI) in the absence of trauma history.1 Non-traumatic SCI is a rare neurological emergency.2 There are few case reports of spontaneous atraumatic cervical fracture due to tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis.3, 4 High-level SCI causes impairment of respiratory muscles and reduces vital capacity and chest wall compliance. It also influences the respiratory drive, leading to hypercapnia.5, 6 SCI is an often forgotten but important cause of central nervous system depression in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure in emergency settings. We present a case of atraumatic odontoid fracture, resulting in myelopathy and hypercapnic respiratory failure. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

An analysis on the determinants of head to pelvic balance in a Chinese adult population.

Balanced global spinopelvic balance is important in the maintenance of the physiological alignment of all body segments above the pelvis with minimum energy expenditure. The key determinants affecting the 3D index-odontoid-hip axis (OD-HA) angle, and in particular its alterations, have not been clearly defined. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of the 3D OD-HA angle in maintaining global spinopelvic balance in a large Chinese adult cohort of different gender and age groups. A total of 516 asymptomatic adults were enrolled in this study. Biplanar radiographies were performed to reconstruct the subject's inter-acetabular axis and C2 odontoid process. The 3D angle formed by the vertical and the line between odontoid and mid-interacetabular axis (OD-HA angle) was computed and projected in the subject's sagittal and coronal planes. Thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), T1 pelvic angle (TPA) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. The mean values of sagittal and coronal OD-HA were -0.2°±2.5° and 0.2°±1.1°, respectively. Both sagittal and coronal OD-HA had significant correlation with age (r=0.265 and r=-0.143, P<0.01, respectively), sagittal OD-HA showed increment from 20s to 80s (-1.3° to 0.8° for female, -0.3° to 1.5° for male) and a significant difference between male and female from 20 to 69 years old. Further analysis showed that sex, weight, TK, PT, SVA, TPA and ODI were determinants of OD-HA. 3D OD-HA angle showed physiological stability with little variability from young to elderly adults, with SD of 2.45° and 1.06° in sagittal and coronal planes, respectively. OD-HA angle confirms the hypothesis that the head tends to remain above the pelvis in a small cone of stability. This study provides an analysis of the determinants of OD-HA and the reference range of the head-pelvis balance in each decade and gender based on a large-scale asymptomatic population.

Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor (ROP) commonly labeled as “pannus” is a non-neoplastic soft tissue mass adjacent to the odontoid process of C2 that is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is due to inflammation and thickening of the synovium surrounding the dens and may lead to ligament laxity, and bone erosion resulting in C1-C2 joint laxity and subluxation with possible spinal cord compression. MRI is the imaging modality of choice to assess ROP and evaluate its extent. Three patterns of ROP are described following histological features; distinguish inflammatory hyper vascular pannus (hyperintense on T2-weighted images and enhancing) (Figure 1 and 2), combined pannus (intermediate signal intensity on T2- weighted images and intermediately enhancing), and fibrous pannus (low signal intensity on all sequences and non-enhancing).

Cervical spine instability and canal stenosis caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that impacts on weakening ligaments, synovial arthritis and cartilage damage. The effect that can occur is instability and neural compression in the upper and sub-axial cervical. The prevalence of atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is around 40-80% among rheumatoid patients, but it is interesting to examine the clinical symptoms that are not so visible despite radiological instability confirmed on the cervical spine. However, once the clinical symptoms of myelopathy occur, the mortality rate will increase sharply.&#x0D; We report a case of a 66-years old female who was admitted to our hospital with gait disturbance and weakness of her lower extremities. Radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine showed erosive destruction of the odontoid process of C2, anterior atlantoaxial subluxation, and thickened yellow ligaments from C3 to C7. Surgery was performed by removal of the posterior arch of C1 and laminectomy C3 to C7, posterior occipito-cervical screw fixation from C3 to C7, combined with atlantoaxial transpedicular screw fixation. A sterno sub-occipitomandibular immobilization (SOMI) orthosis was applied for postoperative immobilization for 12 weeks. Improvement of motoric status noted after surgery.

Expanded endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy and posterior stabilization: a combined approach.

Lesions of the craniovertebral junction are difficult to access, which is due to the anatomical features and high concentration of vital structures in the area. The transoral access has been most used for anterior approach to treat craniovertebral junction pathology. This method has consistently shown a high complication rate and difficulties in-patient rehabilitation. In this study we analyzed the benefits of surgical treatment of the craniovertebral junction area pathology with the transnasal approach. Four patients with C2 odontoid process invagination and brain stem compression were treated with the transnasal endoscopic resection of the pathological process combined with simultaneous occipital-cervical stabilization (OCS). Surgical procedure, anatomical findings, complications, and rehabilitation period were assessed. Transnasal treatment of C2 odontoid process lesions was applied successfully in all four cases. A modified extended transnasal approach was used. This approach is characterized by an increased operating time (238 minutes), lower complication rate, safer access (less traumatization of oropharyngeal tissue), better patient rehabilitation (no need for tracheostomy or feeding tube), better recovery and higher patient satisfaction (quick regression of the symptomatic patients). The extended transnasal access to the craniovertebral junction is a safer, more comfortable technique, which facilitates more radical treatment of lesions in this area. For brain stem compression due to C2 odontoid process invagination, a combination of transnasal resection and OCS shows excellent preliminary results. This method should be favorable over the transoral approach in certain cases, as it provides a better direct access to lesion of the craniovertebral junction and allows for more complex combined procedures.

Odontoid Process and Femur: A Novel Bond in Anatomy.

ObjectiveThe morphology and quantitative anatomy of the axis vertebra (C2) attracts a lot of attention between anatomists, surgeons and radiologists. However, no report exists in the literature correlating the height of the dens with the length of the femur. Our paper aims to determine such a correlation.Material and methodsAn examination of forty-five adult dry skeletons (twenty-three male and twenty-two female) was conducted. The height of the odontoid process of the axis and the maximum length of the femur were measured and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe mean values for the height of the dens were 19.13±2.74 mm and 16.83±2.45 mm concerning the male and female dry skeletons respectively. The mean maximum length of the right femur bone was 43.04±2.32 cm for male and 39.90±2.40 cm for female skeletons. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation (r=0.709, p <0.001) between the height of the odontoid process and the maximum length of the femur bone. A linear regression model expressing this association was created: Femur max length (in cm) = 32.874 + 0.531 x Dens height (in mm).ConclusionWe present a new mathematical equation correlating one of the most studied long bones of the skeleton, the femur, with another "long" part of the bony structure of the human body- the C2 odontoid process.

Anterior decompression through transoral axis slide and rotation osteotomy for salvage of failed posterior occipitocervical fusion: a novel technique note.

Atlantoaxial dislocation could be caused by odontoid fractures or Os odontoideum. The previous surgical techniques in treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation were based on arch remove decompression or anterior atlantoaxial release and atlantoaxial (occipital-cervical) screw fixation-based reduction and fusion. However, for some clinical situations, all of above techniques cannot be applied. In this study, a patient with atlantoaxial dislocation caused by Os odontoideum treated by posterior occipitocervical fusion 20 years ago and failed. We design a novel anterior decompression through transoral axis slide and rotation osteotomy for salvage of this failed posterior occipitocervical fusion case. The C2 body and odontoid process was ventrally slide and rotation at good position after operation as well as the position of plate and screws, the spinal canal was increased significantly after operation too. We suggest this anterior decompression through transoral "C2 slide and rotation" technique is good choice for salvage of failed posterior occipitocervical fusion and some irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation because of the anterior bony fusion, it could direct decompress the spinal cord anteriorly, avoid the odontoid resection, and is feasible and safe technique.

Endoscopic Transnasal Odontoidectomy: A Novel Technique in Orthopedic Surgery

Over the past decade, a minimally invasive technique to address upper cervical spine pathology has been executed successfully within ENT and neurosurgical communities. One indication for this endoscopic transnasal surgery is to remove the odontoid process of C2. We aim to provide a detailed description of the current state of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (ETO) techniques through a systematic literature review. We also report the clinical course of a patient who underwent an ETO with involvement of an orthopedic spinal surgeon. It is our hope that by highlighting the feasibility and positive outcomes of this approach, it may propagate more broadly through the spine community. A 61-year-old male presented to clinic with complaints of neck pain that radiated into the right arm. He had a remote history of closed head injury as a professional boxer, as well as previous ACDF from C4 to C7. On exam, the patient was myelopathic with diffuse 4/5 weakness in all extremities. Imaging revealed a Type-1 odontoid fracture non-union and significant stenosis at the C1 level, with only 7.7 mm available for the cord. After conferring with an interdisciplinary team, the patient was indicated for C1 laminectomy with posterior spinal fusion of C1–C2 and endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy. At 5-month follow-up, the patient has reported improved gait mechanics, absence of RUE paresthesias, and improved RUE strength. ETO is a viable, safe alternative to previously used methods of odontoid resection. As familiarity with the procedure increases throughout the medical field, further research should determine the most effective methods of ameliorating known complications.

Earliest axial fossils from the genus Australopithecus

Australopitheus anamensis fossils demonstrate that craniodentally and postcranially the taxon was more primitive than its evolutionary successor Australopithecus afarensis. Postcranial evidence suggests habitual bipedality combined with primitive upper limbs and an inferred significant arboreal adaptation. Here we report on A. anamensis fossils from the Assa Issie locality in Ethiopia's Middle Awash area dated to ∼4.2 Ma, constituting the oldest known Australopithecus axial remains. Because the spine is the interface between major body segments, these fossils can be informative on the adaptation, behavior and our evolutionary understanding of A. anamensis. The atlas, or first cervical vertebra (C1), is similar in size to Homo sapiens, with synapomorphies in the articular facets and transverse processes. Absence of a retroglenoid tubercle suggests that, like humans, A. anamensis lacked the atlantoclavicularis muscle, resulting in reduced capacity for climbing relative to the great apes. The retroflexed C2 odontoid process and long C6 spinous process are reciprocates of facial prognathism, a long clivus and retroflexed foramen magnum, rather than indications of locomotor or postural behaviors. The T1 is derived in shape and size as in Homo with an enlarged vertebral body epiphyseal surfaces for mitigating the high-magnitude compressive loads of full-time bipedality. The full costal facet is unlike the extant great ape demifacet pattern and represents the oldest evidence for the derived univertebral pattern in hominins. These fossils augment other lines of evidence in A. anamensis indicating habitual bipedality despite some plesiomorphic vertebral traits related to craniofacial morphology independent of locomotor or postural behaviors (i.e., a long clivus and a retroflexed foramen magnum). Yet in contrast to craniodental lines of evidence, some aspects of vertebral morphology in A. anamensis appear more derived than its descendant A. afarensis.

Crowned dens syndrome: a case report followed by an update on differential diagnosis and treatment

Introduction Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a rare clinical presentation of chondrocalcinosis or calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease, characterized by fever, neck pain and stiffness, associated with increased biological markers of inflammation. Diagnosis is made mainly via imaging, and the best modality remains the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck showing calcification and calcium pyrophosphate crystals deposition around the odontoid process (1). The aim of this report is to increase awareness of this rare and ill-known clinical tableau and to review its complications and the latest modalities of its diagnosis and treatment. Clinical case: An 83-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department (ED) of the Middle East Institute of Health (MEIH) with severe acute onset neck stiffness and pain of 10/10 intensity, radiating to the submandibular area and reaching the occipital part of the head, associated with nausea and 2 episodes of chills one day prior to presentation. Patient denied any recent history of trauma or surgery of the head and neck. Physical exam at that time was only remarkable for marked limitation of neck motion, and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs. No skin changes, facial sinuses tenderness, cervical lymphadenopathies or neck swellings were noted. Vital signs at ED were within normal range except for a low grade fever. Laboratory work-up upon presentation showed hyperleukocytosis (WBC = 14000/mm3) with left shift and a C-reactive protein (CRP) of 189 mg/L (0-5 mg/L). Chest X-Ray only showed degenerative osteoarthritis of the thoracic spinal vertebrae. CT-scan of the brain without IV contrast done urgently showed no acute changes. As Clinical and biological features were suggestive of acute meningitis, cultures were taken including blood, urine and CSF fluid from lumbar puncture. The patient was admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotic treatment with a large spectrum carbapenem and close observation. On next 2 days, the patient continued to develop low grade fever with a fluctuating pattern, and levofloxacin and amikacin shots were added for maximal bacterial coverage. Urine and blood culture yielded positive for Escherichia Coli only resistant to penicillin. CSF fluid analysis and culture was unremarkable. So, the patient continued to receive IV antibiotics for urinary tract infection and bacteremia. And although the cultures were sensitive to the antibiotics given, the patient continued to suffer from fever, headache, neck stiffness with minimal improvement and response to IV acetaminophen. Laboratory markers continued to increase and CRP reached 325. The patient then underwent a series of imaging and laboratory tests to determine the cause of fever, including CT-scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast, widal, wright, Rose Bengal, stool analysis, stool culture, clostridium difficile toxins, transthoracic and transesophageal cardiac ultrasound that were all negative. Finally, neck MRI was done to rule out spondylodiscitis or a cervical abscess and showed evidence of osteoarthritis on multiple cervical spinal levels, calcification of the odontoid process of C2, and thickening of the synovium and posterior ligaments (Fig C – D). Those results were compatible with a CT-scan of the neck then done and was in favor of a corona of calcification around the odontoid process suggesting a crowned dens syndrome (Fig A – B). The patient was put on colchicine therapy, and started to improve slowly, then corticosteroids were added and yielded a faster improvement. The C-reactive protein finally started to drop until reaching 23 mg/L upon the discharge. The patient was finally discharged on NSAIDs and colchicine. And after 1 month, the patient was seen in an outpatient setting where she reported dramatic improvement of her symptoms.

Lesion of the craniovertebral junction in ankylosing spondylitis: rare clinical observations

Two cases of surgical treatment for lesions of the craniovertebral junction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis accompanied by severe neurological symptoms are described. Patients underwent one-step combined interventions. The first stage included occipitospondylodesis using screw instrumentation, and the second – transoral removal of the C2 odontoid process. Surgical treatment resulted in elimination of the spinal cord compression, regression of neurological deficit existed in patients before surgery, and achievement of stable fixation in the intervention area.

A Case of Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor in a Very Elderly Individual

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are mainly caused by aging or rheumatoid arthritis. We treated a very elderly patient with retro-odontoid pseudotumor. A 92-year-old man was admitted with the chief complaints of difficulty walking and progressive numbness in the right upper and lower extremities. Neurological examination revealed muscle weakness and exaggerated tendon reflexes of the right upper and lower extremities, and disturbance in skilled motor activities of the fingers, bilaterally. He had no bladder or rectal disturbances. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score for cervical myelopathy was 10/17. Rheumatoid arthritis was interpreted as negative. Radiography of the neck showed no atlanto-axial instability. Cervical magnetic resonance(MR)imaging revealed a mass located posterior to the C2 odontoid process, severely compressing the cervical cord. The patient underwent a C1 laminectomy and C2 half laminectomy without fixation to achieve cord decompression. Postoperatively, muscle weakness in the right upper and lower extremities was remarkably improved, and gait disturbance was also improved. However, skilled motor activities of the fingers on the right hand during tasks such as writing letters, holding a cup, and using chopsticks, were not improved. JOA score was improved to 14/17. Postoperative radiography revealed no atlanto-axial instability and MR imaging revealed adequate decompression of the spinal canal. Laminectomy without fixation is recommended as an effective and less invasive treatment for retro-odontoid pseudotumor, especially in very elderly patients without atlanto-axial instability.

Axial chordoma of the cervical spine managed by a trans-mandibular trans-oral approach

Abstract Chordomas are low-grade but locally aggressive malignant neoplasms derived from notochordal remnants. These lesions are best treated by en bloc however this is especially challenging in the upper cervical spine due to the proximity of vital structures. We present a 46 year old male whom presented to our unit complaining of progressive upper cervical axial neck pain aggravated by neck rotation, of 4 months duration. He had no symptoms of myelopathy. Examination revealed high posterior spinal tenderness and resistance to neck rotation however the patient's motor and sensory examinations were normal and he had normal gait. An inter-disciplinary team comprising Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Maxillofacial surgery and Otorhinolaryngology took the patient for surgery. The first stage of the procedure comprised Otorhinolaryngology performing a tracheostomy and thereafter a combined Orthopedic Neurosurgical procedure involving a posterior instrumented C1–C3/C4 fusion and biopsy of the lesion. The second stage involved the maxillofacial surgeons dividing the patient's mandible to increase operative exposure. Thereafter the Orthopedic and Neurosurgical surgeons proceeded to perform a transmandibular transoral en bloc resection of the body and odontoid process of C2 which was replaced by a cage construct. The vertebral arteries were preserved and no dural breech occurred. Post operatively the patient showed no new neurology and was ambulant. He was maintained in a Philadelphia collar for 6 weeks until his fusion was complete. In conclusion this difficult case was managed successfully by thorough pre-operative planning and inter-departmental co-operation. Fortunately the lesion was isolated to the body and odontoid process of C2 which was in the patients favor lending the case towards a favorable outcome.

Construction of a Statistical Cervical Vertebrae Geometric Model for Children 3-10Years Old.

Cervical spinal injuries of children in motor vehicle crashes have high morbidity and mortality rates. Cervical vertebrae change rapidly in both size and shape during growth. To accurately assess the risk of spinal injury for children of different ages, it is necessary to understand how the spatial geometric features of vertebrae change with the child's age and neck size. In this study, an innovative semi-automated method was developed that can extract and align geometric points from computed tomography scans to accurately represent complex three-dimensional vertebral geometry. Based on these spatial geometric points, a statistical cervical vertebrae geometry model for children aged 3-10 YO was established based on principal component analysis and multivariate regression. According to this model, the vertebra spatial geometries for children of different ages and neck circumferences were represented, and its variation with age were accounted for. Statistical results show that age has a significant effect on anterior-posterior length (APL), transverse process width (TPW), vertebral body circumference (VBC) and height (VBH), whereas the significance of location and its interaction with age effects on these four parameters are different. The VBC and VBH increase more rapidly with age than the APL and TPW. In addition, the APL of C6 and C7 increase significantly faster than that of C3. As for the shape changes with child growth, the inclination angle of the upper surface of the lateral mass for C1 and the tilt angle of the articular process of the articular facet joint for C3-7 increase; and the shape of odontoid process of C2 becomes higher and steeper. This study can provide geometric basis for developing multiple pediatric cervical finite element models and anthropomorphic test devices to further quantify child neck injury risk with different ages and neck geometries.

Surgical Treatment of C2 Odontoid Process Intussusception in Combination with Type I Chiari Malformation

Type I Chiari malformation is often accompanied by congenital developmental abnormalities such as platybasia, basilar impression and C2 odontoid process retroflexion that may cause anterior compression of brainstem structures and upper cervical segments of spinal cord. Formerly the conventional method was posterior decompression even in presence of anterior brainstem compression. This article presents on a kinetic example the tactics of one-step treatment of patients with type I Chiari malformation accompanied by basilar impression and C2 odontoid process retroflexion via transoral approach only that was used for both decompression and C1-C2 segment anterior stabilization. Surgical intervention enabled to achieve the decompression of brainstem structures and upper cervical segments of spinal cord, normalization liquor dynamics and subsequent redislocation of cerebellar tonsils to normal position (above the Chamberlain line).

Surgical Treatment of C2 Odontoid Process Intussusception in Combination with Type I Chiari Malformation

Type I Chiari malformation is often accompanied by congenital developmental abnormalities such as platybasia, basilar impression and C2 odontoid process retroflexion that may cause anterior compression of brainstem structures and upper cervical segments of spinal cord. Formerly the conventional method was posterior decompression even in presence of anterior brainstem compression. This article presents on a kinetic example the tactics of one-step treatment of patients with type I Chiari malformation accompanied by basilar impression and C2 odontoid process retroflexion via transoral approach only that was used for both decompression and C1-C2 segment anterior stabilization. Surgical intervention enabled to achieve the decompression of brainstem structures and upper cervical segments of spinal cord, normalization liquor dynamics and subsequent redislocation of cerebellar tonsils to normal position (above the Chamberlain line).

New Landmark for Localizing the Site of the Subdental Synchondrosis Remnant: Application to Discerning Pathology from Normal on Imaging

We hypothesized that the entry site of the basivertebral vein into the basivertebral foramen of C2 might localize the subdental synchondrosis between the odontoid process and body of C2, which may be helpful for odontoid fracture classification. Twenty-five dry adult C2 specimens underwent thin-cut computed tomography and were sectioned sagittally. The basivertebral foramen was then correlated to internal bony anatomy. Fifty magnetic resonance images were reviewed, and the location of the subdental synchondrosis was determined. A basivertebral foramen was identified on the posterior surface of all dry C2 specimens. The openings were found at a distance of 30%-44% on an inferosuperior point along the vertical height of C2. For bony specimens with a subdental synchondrosis remnant (75%), entry of acupuncture needles into the basivertebral foramen was always directly at the level of the synchondrosis remnant. For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a subdental synchondrosis or its remnants were seen on all studies. The distance from the base of C2 to the subdental synchondrosis ranged from 9-13 mm. This equated to an inferosuperior point 32%-43% along the vertical height of C2. A strong correlation existed when comparing the location of the basivertebral foramen of bony specimens and the subdental synchondrosis location on MRI. The basivertebral foramen is a consistently present anatomic reference point for the subdental synchondrosis even if the latter cannot be seen on conventional radiographic imaging. Our MRI data might also be useful in helping differentiate lesions affecting C2 from normal subdental cartilaginous remnants that can be encountered on imaging.

Outcome of Patients with Occipitocervical Fusion for Acute Craniocervical Instability

Introduction Occipitocervical fusion (OCF) is a safe and reliable method for stabilization of craniocervical instabilities caused by different mechanisms. Especially patients with acute instabilities and unaffected previous range of motion of the cervical spine, may be affected by the fusion procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively surgical outcome and patient disability after OCF procedure for acute instabilities. Methods Over a 5-year period, 2009–2014, 33 consecutive patients from one academic trauma center were retrospectively identified as having been treated with OCF. Of these, 29 patients were diagnosed with traumatic or pathologic fractures or nonunion after previously failed surgical intervention. Average follow up was 25 months (range 4–55 months). Demographics were assessed. Fixation constructs were delineated. Nonunion, infection, implant failure, neurologic disabilities, and deaths were used as complication variables. Patient disability was addressed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and persistent pain (VAS). Results Traumatic and pathologic fractures were the main reason (90%) for an OCF procedure in our study population. Three patients (10%) suffered from a persistent instability after previously failed surgical stabilization. Fracture location was the odontoid process of C2 in 69% of the patients and 31% had a combined injury to C1 and C2. Fusion was performed between the occiput and C4 in 55%, C5 in 28%, and C3 in 17%. Fusion was enhanced by autologous bone in 14 patients (48%). 3 patients (10%) underwent a surgical revision due to screw misplacement (1) and infection (2). Related to the advanced patient age, 15 patients died before the evaluation. One patient died during hospital stay related to his preoperatively existing comorbidities. Fourteen patients were evaluated. Average age was 74.2 years (range 18–95 years). Regarding the clinical outcome, pain averaged 2.5 on the VAS (median 2). 64% of the patients reported no or minimal pain (VAS 0–2), 23% complained of mild pain (VAS 2–4). The NDI averaged 42% (range 16 – 80%). Conclusion OCF is a reliable and safe procedure for the treatment of craniocervical instabilities caused by different injuries and diseases. Overall, pain reduction was effective. Patients reported no or only mild pain (VAS 0–4) in 86% during our evaluation. Functional disability averaged 42% utilizing the NDI, which is rated as “medium disability.” The rate of 52% deceased patients reflects the fact that OCF is performed in our institution especially in elderly and patients with increased rates of comorbidities.

C2 odontoid process fractures in the elderly: observations on the natural history of non-operative management

C2 odontoid process fractures in the elderly: observations on the natural history of non-operative management

Cervico-occipital Posture in Women With Migraine: A Case-Control Study.

Case-control study. Previous studies have assessed forward head posture in patients with migraine using photographs. To date, no study has compared postural differences using both radiographs and photographs. To determine the differences in head extension posture between women with migraine and healthy women assessed with radiographic and photographic measures. Thirty-three women (mean ± SD age, 32 ± 11.3 years) with migraine and 33 matched controls (age, 33 ± 12.6 years) participated. Radiographs were used to measure the high cervical angle (HCA), the angle between the most inferior line from the occipital surface to the posterior portion of C1 and the posterior surface of the odontoid process of C2, and the vertical distance between C0 and C1 (C0-C1). Photographs and commercially available software were used to assess the craniovertebral angle (CVA). None of the outcomes differed significantly between women with migraine and control participants. Outcomes for women with migraine were HCA, 66.1° (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.2°, 68.1°); CVA, 46.1° (95% CI: 45.0°, 47.1°); and C0-C1, 8.5 mm (95% CI: 7.7, 9.2). Outcomes for the control group were HCA, 67.9° (95% CI: 66.5°, 69.3°); CVA, 44.5° (95% CI: 43.2°, 45.7°); and C0-C1, 8.7 mm (95% CI: 7.9, 9.4). Relationships between the frequency (r = -0.42, P = .01, R (2) = 10%) of migraine and the HCA were found. This study demonstrated that women with migraine did not exhibit forward head posture compared to women with no history of headache in either radiographic or photographic postural analysis. However, there was a weak association of the frequency of migraine attacks with a variation in the HCA as assessed by radiographs. Differential diagnosis/symptom prevalence, level 4.