Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation Research Articles

Unilateral Vision Loss after Posterior Fixation for Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Case Report with Literature Review

Unilateral Vision Loss after Posterior Fixation for Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Case Report with Literature Review

Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation with a type III odontoid fracture: a rare and fatal injury

Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation with a dens fracture is very rare in children. In this case report, a 15-year-old woman presented at the emergency department after being hit by a motor vehicle as a bicyclist. CT scans showed a type III dens fracture with retropulsion of the posterior wall, resulting in significant stenosis of the spinal canal. A cervical transection and prevertebral hematoma were present. External immobilization can be applied conservatively. However, atlantoaxial dislocation may require surgical fixation to stabilize and prevent slippage. Here, posterior screw-rod fixation techniques can provide better results in terms of neurological outcomes, pain status and adverse events compared to other techniques. However, head and neck imaging should be performed to consider surgical intervention.

Transoropharyngeal closed reduction for traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation: a novel technique for fast and precise reduction

PurposeThe aim of this study is to introduce a new technique for the rapid and accurate reduction of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (TAAD) and to investigate its radiological and clinical outcomes.MethodsThe clinical outcomes of 18 patients who were diagnosed with acute TAAD and underwent rapid transoropharyngeal closed reduction in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to December 2020. Following general anaesthesia, all patients were immediately treated with oropharyngeal reduction under somatosensory evoked potential monitoring. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score, neck disability index and visual analog scale score for neck pain were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. Atlantodental distance, posterior atlantodental interval, and the clivus-canal angle were used to assess reduction and spinal cord compression.ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 23.3 months, with a range of 13–38 months. No neurovascular injury occurred during the operations. For all patients, the closed reduction method through the oropharynx under general anaesthesia was successful, and the success rate of reduction was 100%. All patients recovered uneventfully with marked improvement in clinical outcomes and imaging parameters (P < 0.01). Two patients developed mild postoperative dysphagia. One patient developed postoperative fever and pulmonary infection.ConclusionRapid trans-oropharyngeal closed reduction can safely, effectively, and rapidly reduce acute TAAD. This method provides a new strategy for treatment of the condition.

Prediction of the functional and radiological outcome on the basis of independent factors with special emphasis on the use of 3D printed models in craniovertebral junction surgery.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the advantage of performing planned surgery using customized three-dimensional (3D) printed models versus performing surgery without using 3D printed models in patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies and traumatic CVJ fractures and dislocations.Methods: Forty-two patients with CVJ anomalies, who were planned for operative intervention in the Department of Neurosurgery at SMS Hospital from March 2019 to February 2021, were randomly divided into two groups and analyzed. First group was operated after rehearsal on a customized 3D printed model whereas the second group underwent operative intervention without the rehearsal of surgery on the 3D printed model.Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled for the study. Twenty-five of these patients had developmental CVJ anomalies, 16 had post traumatic Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), and one had congenital AAD. Twenty-three patients underwent surgical intervention using 3D printed models and 19 without using 3D printed models. The outcome in the two groups was compared using modified Japanese orthopedic association score (mJOA), recovery rate, incidence of complications such as screw malposition, postoperative neurological deterioration, vertebral artery (VA) injury, and radiological improvement based on Atlanto-Dental interval, the distance of the tip of dens from Wackhenheims clivus canal line, and the distance of tip of dens from the Chamberlain’s line. The improvement in mJOA score postoperatively was found to be statistically significant in study group (P < 0.001) as compared to control group (P = 0.06). Recovery rate was better in study group than in control group (P = 0.023). In study group, the incidence of screw malposition and VA injury was lower than control group. Three patients deteriorated neurologically postoperatively in the control group and none in the study group. The average improvements in the radiological parameters were found to be better in study group as compared to control group postoperatively.Conclusion: The authors conclude that 3D printed models are extremely helpful in analyzing joints and VA anatomy preoperatively and are helpful in unmasking any abnormal bony and vascular anatomy effectively, making the surgeon confident about the placement of the screws intraoperatively. These 3D models help in intraoperative error minimization with better neurological outcomes in postoperative period. In our opinion, these models should be included as a basic investigation tool in patients of CVJ abnormalities. The models also offer other advantages such as preoperative simulation, teaching modules, and patient education.

TRAUMATIC ATLANTOAXIAL ROTATORY DISLOCATION IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION

ABSTRACT Objective: The treatment of C1-C2 rotatory dislocation remains controversial and surgery is rare. Surgical treatment is indicated when the injury satisfies the instability criteria or when it cannot be reduced. The objective of this study is to analyze the principles and the adaptations necessary for treating these injuries in the pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective case series study. Three cases of patients diagnosed with traumatic C1-C2 rotatory dislocation and treated surgically in our hospital were studied. Through critical analysis of the available literature, a practical guide was proposed to establish the principles and competencies for the treatment of these injuries. Results: The operated cases were female patients between 8 and 16 years of age, with a diagnosis of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation. Two patients required preoperative skeletal traction with halo. All patients underwent posterior instrumented arthrodesis, two with a transarticular screw technique and one with mass and C2 isthmic (Göel-Harms) screws. Conclusion:. It is essential to determine if the injury is stable and reducible. We recommend treating this type of injury keeping the criteria and competencies related to the stability, alignment, biology and function of the spine in mind. Level of evidence IV; Case series.

Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation with Type II Odontoid Fractures: A Case Report

Odontoid fracture frequently ensues after a cervical trauma, and most commonly at the junction between the dens and the body (type II odontoid fracture). This report is focused on a 24-years-old male patient with right-sided hemiparesis, resulting from traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation with type II odontoid fracture. Cervical CT-scanning showed a spondylolisthesis of the C1-C2 complex with type II odontoid fracture, and the injury was treated using posterior reduction and internal stabilization. Therefore, hemiparesis was reduced, and during the follow-up period, our patients were disease-free. Early diagnosis and the appropriate management of atlantoaxial trauma is a possible approach towards preventing severe neurological deficits.

Unilateral short-segment screw fixation and bone graft fusion for special upper cervical spine injury

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of posterior unilateral short segment screw fixation and bone graft fusion in the treatment of special upper cervical spine injuries. Methods A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 15 patients with upper cervical spine injury admitted to Shanxi Bethune Hospital from July 2012 to May 2017. There were nine males and six females, aged 10-69 years [(41.9±20.9)years]. There were eight patients with traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation, one with congenital atlantoaxial dislocation, two with atlantoaxial dislocation with nonunion of odontoid process, three with Anderson type II odontoid process fracture, and one with old odontoid process fracture. All patients had cervico-occipital pain to different degrees, slender unilateral pedicle and distinct stenosis of vertebral artery. All patients were treated with posterior unilateral screw fixation and bone graft fusion. The injury of spinal cord and vertebral artery, operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain before and after operation, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate spinal cord function and postoperative improvement rate before and at the last follow-up. The position of internal fixation and fusion of bone graft were observed by X-ray after operation. Results All 15 patients were followed up for 6-36 months [(20.4±8.6)months]. All the screws were implanted successfully at the first time, without spinal cord or vertebral artery injury. The operation time was 100-210 minutes [(131.3±32.0)minutes], and the intraoperative blood loss was 100-450 ml [(203.1±104.0)ml]. Preoperative VAS score was (7.9±0.9)points, and postoperative VAS score was (3.7±0.8)points (P<0.01). Preoperative JOA score was (12.1±4.4)points, and the JOA score at postoperative follow-up was (16.1±1.4)points, with the improvement rate of 68%. Postoperative X-ray showed good recovery of cervical spine sequence. One patient developed loosened internal fixation after the neck brace protection was removed one month after surgery, and the patient recovered after timely second surgical fixation and fusion. The remaining 14 patients did not have loosened internal fixation, fracture or loss of reduction, with bone fusion 6-12 months after surgery. Conclusion Posterior cervical unilateral short-segment screw fixation and bone graft fusion can restore cervical stability, relieve pain, and improve function recovery, which can be used as a complementary procedure to treat upper cervical spine injury with anatomic structure variation. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Spinal fusion; Surgical procedures, operative

Clinical Outcome Analysis of Posterior C1 and C2 Screw Rod Fixation (Harms–Goel Technique) in Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation

Abstract Aims Evaluation of clinical profile, mode of injury, and clinical outcome in patients of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) who underwent posterior C1 and C2 screw and rod fixation by using Harms and Goel technique. Materials and Methods It is a retrospective study involving all traumatic AAD patients of all age groups admitted at Department of Neurosurgery, RMLIMS, Lucknow, during the last two years. Inclusion criteria was all cases having traumatic AAD with or without C2 fracture and underwent posterior C1 and C2 screw and rod fixation by Harms and Goel technique. Clinical profile, age, sex, mode of injury, types of injury (detected in MRI and CT of cranio-vertebral junction), preoperative and postoperative (after one month of surgery) neurological status were evaluated and outcome analyzed. Results Over all, out of 14 patients, 12 (85.7%) patients improved in the form of either reduced spasticity, improved sensation, increased power of one or more limbs, or bladder and bowel control. One (7.1%) patient retained preoperative status, neither improved nor deteriorated. However, one (7.1%) patient deteriorated, lost all sensations, motor functions below the lesion, bladder and bowel control, and died due to respiratory failure after one and half month of the surgery. Conclusion We concluded that Harms and Goel technique is a safe and effective system for achieving C1–C2 fusion in traumatic AAD. Although this study is very small, does not provide Class 1 data, and is subject to the bias of any retrospective series, we believe our findings to be a useful addition to the body of literature on the surgical treatment of C1–C2 instability.

Traumatic Atlantoaxial and Fracture-Related Dislocation.

Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation due to ligamentous and combined osseous injuries rarely occurs in adults. There are only few cases published in the literature. In this level 4 study, a cohort of nine consecutive patients suffering from traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation has been analyzed regarding morphology of injury, trauma mechanism, and outcome since 2007. Three types of those injuries have been found regarding direction of dislocation indicating the underlying ligamentous injuries as well as the accompanying grade of instability. Firstly, there was rotatory dislocation, if the alar ligaments were injured. Secondly, there occurred horizontal dislocation, when transverse atlantal ligament was damaged additionally. Thirdly, excessive ligamentous injury led to distraction of the atlantoaxial complex resulting in dissociation of the atlas against the axis. Additionally fractures of the atlas as well as of the odontoid process (type II or III according to Anderson/D'Alonzo) were diagnosed frequently. Atlantoaxial dislocation injuries, especially distraction injuries, offer a high risk for accompanied neurovascular disorders deserving reduction followed by surgical fixation. Only rotatory injuries leading to ligamentous damage solitarily can safely be successfully treated conservatively. Understanding of the injuries' morphology is essential, in order to set the correct diagnosis and to implicate the most advantageous treatment regime.

Traumatic Posterior Atlantoaxial Dislocation without Related Fractures of C1 - C2 in a Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury: Case Report and Literature Review

It is exceptionally rare to have posterior atlanto axial dislocation without an associated atlas or odontoid fracture and very few cases have been reported in literature. We present a case of a 50 year old female pedestrian who was hit by car while crossing a road. She presented with a depressed level of consciousness and the Glasgow coma score of 12/15, pupils were equal and reactive to light and all limbs were moving equally. She had an extensive abrasion on the forehead which extended into scalp. CT scan showed a posterior dislocation of the atlas with respect of axis with no associated fractures of C 1 and C2. She had traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns and multiple brainstem contusions. Closed reduction of the dislocation was done successfully under fluoroscopy guidance. MRI was done post reduction because funds were not available initially and it showed increased signal in the tectorial membrane and transverse and alar ligaments with mild cord oedema at the cervicomedullary junction. However, the patient post reduction began to deteriorate and eventually passed away before definitive treatment of her cervical-spine injury. The case is reported in view of its rarity and to review literature on this uncommon condition.

Traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation with associated C1 Jefferson fracture and bilateral vertebral artery occlusion without odontoid process fracture or neurological deficit.

Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is usually associated with fatal high-velocity road traffic accidents (Xu et al. in Medicine (Baltimore) 94:e1768, 2015). There are few reports of survival following posterior AAD without odontoid fracture (Xu et al. 2015; Zhen et al. in Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 131:681-685, 2011; de Carvalho and Swash in Handb Clin Neurol 119:435-448, 2014). We present a previously undescribed case of posterior AAD associated with a C1 Jefferson fracture but no odontoid fracture and bilateral vertebral artery occlusion without neurological deficit. The presence of bilateral vertebral artery occlusion raised challenges in the surgical management. Survival was only possible due to the presence of robust cerebral collateral circulation.

Clinico-Radiological Outcome Analysis in Craniovertebral Junction Diseases: An Institutional Experience of 38 Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre

Craniovertebral junction diseases, although considered rare, are common in northern parts of India. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinico-radiologic and surgical outcome of patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Our study also compared bony fusion among various techniques of posterior fusion. This retrospective study was performed with 38 patients who met the inclusion criteria for analysis. These patients were contacted by telephone and letters, and their clinical examination and radiologic investigations were performed at a follow-up visit. The preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up clinical evaluations of the patients were done using the Nurick grading system. The age range was 4-60 years with an average of 20.5 years. There were 31 male and 7 female patients, with a male:female ratio of 4.43:1. There were 13 cases of fixed atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), 17 cases of mobile AAD, 6 cases of traumatic AAD, and 2 cases of postinfective AAD. The majority of these patients (n= 29; 76.31%) had neck pain and cerebellovestibular disturbances (n= 27; 71.1%). Sphincter disturbances were observed in 9 patients. An increase in craniovertebral angle was observed in postoperative period in all patients. Initially, 84% of the patients had a poor Nurick grade; this was reduced to 28% after the surgical intervention. One hundred percent bony fusion was attained in patients who underwent rigid fixation technique, and 80% was attained using a semirigid fixation technique. The key to successful management of craniovertebral junction disease is individualized selection of judicious surgical intervention from various available techniques.

Traumatic Pediatric Atlantoaxial Rotatory Dislocation Successfully Reduced with 1 Month Total of Halter Traction: A Case Report

The occurrence of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation is fairly uncommon; however, it is more common to be encountered in the paediatric population, typically seen after a retropharyngeal inflammation or after a minor trauma. Ligamentous laxity, shallower and more horizontally oriented facet joints especially at the C1-2 joint making them prone to have atlantoaxial subluxation or dislocation. If recognized early it can be successfully managed non-surgically before chronic inflammatory changes affect the ligaments and joint structure of the C1-2 complex. However, there is no standard treatment protocol as some authors like Nael et al and Haliasos and Norris recommended more invasive Halo skull traction. Thus, we report this case managed with less invasive Halter traction with no risk of pin site infections. We present the case of a 12-year-old Malay boy with traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation who came to us after he slipped and fell, presented with neck pain and torticollis to the left side but without other neurological deficits. A computed-tomography (CT) scan revealed an atlantoaxial rotation of 47 to the left without any signs of osseous lesions. MRI was also done and all ligaments were intact. The neck was then reduced by cautious rotation with Halter traction with the cervical spine in the neutral position with slight flexion thus avoiding harm by potential posttraumatic disc lesions. The patient was put on Halter traction for a total of one month. Post-traction revealed full range of motion of the neck without any tenderness, head and neck alignment restored to neutral position. In the children population, atlantoaxial subluxation is a rare condition but is severe if left untreated. Early treatment implies a non-surgical approach and a good outcome is observed in our case as well as reported by other authors.

Surgery for Chronic Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation Associated With Myelopathy.

A retrospective study. To evaluate the outcomes of myelopathy caused by atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). No reports to date have accurately evaluated the results of surgery for delayed myelopathy for patients with chronic AAD. Thus, the appropriate surgical time and methods of decompression and fusion remain a hot debate. In our study, 18 patients underwent decompression, fixation, and fusion. Demographic data, operation time, blood loss, and complications were evaluated. The Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale, severity of disability and visual analogue scale were evaluated. The fusion rate, space available for the cord, instability index, cord compression index, and cord decompression rate were also assessed. The average time of operation was 248±50 minutes, and blood loss was 350±200 mL. Five patients in grade I maintained their neurological status, and the others had improved neurological status. With average follow-up time of 15.3±9.6 months, the Japanese Orthopedic Association score improved, the visual analogue scale score decreased, the space available for the cord improved, and the instability index and cord compression index decreased. Cord decompression rate was 65.9%. Fusion rate reached 83%. There is a high risk of delayed myelopathy for patients with AAD who do not undergo timely surgical treatment. There is no need for complete reduction for treatment of chronic AAD. Whether it can be reduced or not, sufficient decompression and solid fusion for AAD are required. Both C1-C2 fusion for reducible dislocation and occipital-cervical fusion for irreducible dislocation have satisfactory outcomes.

Guidance value of TOI classification for treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation

Objective To investigate the guidance value of TOI classification in treating traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation (ADD). Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 32 cases of traumatic TOI T-type ADD treated between January 2012 and December 2015. There were 19 males and 13 females, aged (38.4±14.7)years. Fifteen cases of T1-type underwent external fixation or internal fixation without fusion, while 17 cases of T2-type underwent internal fixation with fusion. Symon-Lavender clinical standard, Japanese orthopedic association score (JOA), visual analogue scale (VAS), atlas-dens interval (ADI) and space available for the cord (SAC) were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Results Patients were followed up for 6-54 months (mean, 32.4 months). At final follow-up, ADI was decreased to (2.3±1.4)mm from preoperative (5.6±1.6)mm, but SAC was increased to (15.4±1.9)mm from preoperative (12.0±2.9)mm (P<0.01). At final follow-up, cervical axial rotation range of motion was 102°-154° in T1-type cases and 57°- 93° in T2-type cases. Range of motion for atlantoaxial joint was preserved in T1-type cases, but lost in T2-type cases. According to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard, there were 14 cases of mild disability, nine moderate disability, eight severe disability and one extremely severe disability before operation; there were 21 cases of mild disability, nine moderate disability and two severe disability at last follow-up. Significant difference was observed in the grades according to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard before operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). At last follow-up, JOA score was increased to (14.6±2.9)points from preoperative (9.9±3.2)points, and VAS was decreased to (2.7±1.3)points from preoperative (6.0±1.6)points (P<0.01). Conclusions By using TOI classification, reconstruction of stability and improved neurological function can be achieved in treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation. Non-fusion treatment of T1-type atlantoaxial dislocation can preserve range of motion for atlantoaxial joint. Key words: Atlanto-axial joint; Dislocations; Classification

Successful Treatment of Iatrogenic Vertebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Coil Embolization: Case Report

Introduction: Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury (IVAI) is a rare intricacy during cervical spine screw fixation or removal surgery. The overall incidence of vertebral artery (VA) injury related to craniocervical surgery is about 0.2% in literature.Case presentation: We report a case of 52-year-old male who suffered iatrogenic vertebral artery injury (VAI) as a result of surgical removal of C1-2 screw that was successfully fixed at posterior cervical spine on account of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation four (4) years ago. The surgical removal was on going at a periphery hospital when the patient suffered this intricacy with massive bleeding. He was immediately transferred to our facility. CT angiography done at our facility revealed a pseudoaneurysm measuring about 5.5 cm in diameter at the cervical region.Conclusions: We successfully treated this pseudoaneurysm with coil embolization without any further neurological deficits. Although the occurrence of iatrogenic VAI pseudoaneurysm as a result of the removal of C1-2 screw is extremely rare, it occurrence can be very fetal with very serious neurological deficits or death.

Airtraq® aided tracheal intubation in a patient of Down’s syndrome with traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation

AbstractDown’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that is associated with multiple congenital anomalies having great impact on anaesthetic management. Apart from this, it also predisposes the patient to the atlantoaxial dislocation making the management of airway a difficult task. In our case, the child already had traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation that further makes the successful airway management without progression of any neurological injury a challenge. Hereby, we report the successful management of an 8-year-old child with Down’s syndrome and traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation using Airtraq® optical laryngoscope.

Factors influencing feasibility of direct posterior reduction in irreducible traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation secondary to isolated odontoid fracture

Introduction. Direct posterior reduction by intraoperative manipulation of joints for irreducible traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (IrTAAD) has gained acceptance in the recent past. However, factors determining its feasibility have not been elucidated. Our study aims to examine the clinico-radiological factors predicting feasibility of direct posterior reduction in IrTAAD secondary to isolated odontoid fracture, in an attempt to differentiate the “truly irreducible” from those “deemed irreducible.” Materials and methods. The onset and progression of neck pain and myelopathy was studied in 6 patients of IrTAAD with fracture odontoid, which failed to reduce despite traction. The dynamic X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans of craniovertebral junction, along with the vertebral artery angiogram were studied to look for the slightest mobility, interface of fractured fragments, malunion, callous, and relationship of the C1–2 facets and vertebral artery. Results. All 6 patients had progressive worsening of neck pain. Three patients had progressive myelopathy. Three patients presented 6 months after trauma. Radiology showed type-II fracture with IrTAAD (anterolisthesis in 5 and retrolisthesis with lateral dislocation in 1) and locked facets in all. X-rays showed doubtful callous formation in 3 patients and CT confirmed non-union. Three patients showed angular movement on dynamic X-rays despite irreducibility and locked facets. Angiogram showed thrombosis of vertebral artery in one patient. Intraoperative reduction could be achieved in all 6 patients with good clinico-radiological outcome. Conclusion. Worsening pain, progression of myelopathy, some movement on dynamic X-rays, a malunion ruled out on CT scan, and the presence of locked facets make direct posterior reduction feasible in patients with IrTAAD. The difficulty increases in remote fractures due to fibrosis around the dislocated joints. The role of the CT angiogram, in defining the relationship of Vertebral artery (VA) to the dislocated facets, and in determining the extent of VA injury, is vital. Preoperative detection of VA injury reduces the chance of intraoperative reduction, especially if only unilateral joint approach is planned.

Technique for direct posterior reduction in irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation: Multi-planar realignment of C1–2

ObjectiveApart from the commonly seen antero-posterior subluxation of C1 over C2, the dislocation may occur in vertical, lateral or rotational plane. Desired C1-2 realignment can be achieved by corrrecting its dislocation in all planes. We describe a technique for the same. Material and methodsThe clinical and radiological features of 16 patients (4 – traumatic and 12 – congenital) with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) admitted in the last 1.5 years were studied. Specific attention was paid to vertical dislocation with lateral and rotational components, apart from anterior–posterior subluxation. They were operated through direct posterior approach. The technique using a long rod holder as lever and screw head (tulip) as fulcrum was employed to achieve C1-2 realignment in all planes. The postoperative clinical and radiological data was analyzed and compared with preoperative data. ResultsPatients presented with progressive myelopathy and/or progressive worsening of neck pain. Vertical dislocation was seen in 11 patients with congenital AAD in addition to the antero-posterior subluxation seen in all. Three patients with traumatic AAD and 8 with congenital AAD had additional lateral dislocation or lateral tilt. Three patients with traumatic AAD and 7 with congenital AAD showed rotational component. Postoperatively, all patients showed clinical improvement. ConclusionsThe antero-posterior and vertical realignment could be achieved in all except one. Similarly, rotational and lateral components could be completely corrected in 8 out of 10 patients. The technique appears to realign the C1–2 in all planes and provides good anatomical restoration.

Outcomes of surgery for unstable odontoid fractures combined with instability of adjacent segments.

BackgroundAt present, traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation or C2-3 instability complicating odontoid fractures remains rarely reported. The aim of this study was to further investigate the surgical treatment strategies and curative effects for odontoid fractures combined with instability of adjacent segments.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 12 patients (5 females and 7 males; age, 21–65 years) who underwent internal fixation for odontoid fractures (type II and shallow type III) and atlantoaxial instability in 6 cases, C2-3 instability in 4 cases, simultaneous C1-2 and C2-3 instability in 2 cases between January 2005 and June 2012. Accordingly, individualized surgeries were performed. Fracture healing and bone fusion were determined on X-ray scan. Upper limbs, lower limbs and sphincter functions were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Frankel grading system was used for the evaluation of neurological situation.ResultsMean follow-up time of all 12 cases was 16.4 months (range, 12 to 48 months). Odontoid fracture healing was obtained in all patients within 9 months, and graft fusion was achieved within 6 months. JOA score was significantly improved from 6.3 ± 3.1 preoperatively to 11.1 ± 4.6 at 12 months after operation (P = 0.007), with 50.5 ± 25.7% recovery rate and 66.7% excellent and good rate. Except one patient still had Frankel grade B neurological injury at 12 months after surgery, the other patients improved their neurological situation (at 1 grade in Frankel scale). One patient developed wound fat liquefaction which resolved by changing the dressing. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in three patients, which resolved after the continuous drainage for 2 days.ConclusionsAccording to the characteristics of odontoid fractures, the individualized operative procedure should be performed, resulting in high fracture healing rate, function recovery rate, and less, transient complications.