C2–C3 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for hangman's fractures with C2 posterior dislocation: technical notes

Author(s):  
Yu-Fei Chen ◽  
Guan-Nan Luan ◽  
Xiao-jie Li ◽  
Ye Peng ◽  
Teng-Fei Li ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yufei Chen ◽  
Guannan Luan ◽  
Xiaojie Li ◽  
Hongxing Zhang ◽  
Jingyuan Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The overwhelming majority of hangman’s fractures cause anterior dislocation of C2. Hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation is extremely rare, only one paediatric case was reported in 2018 to date. This kind of injury cannot be catalogued using current classification schemes and no established treatment recommendations exist. The purpose of this article is to report a rare case of a hangman's fracture with C2 posterior dislocation, which does not fit into existing classification systems, propose a new subtype of hangman’s fractures, and discuss management technical notes for the new subtype to avoid pitfalls. Methods: Description of case, review of relevant literatures and share our experience.Results: A 31-year-old male sustained hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation after fell into a 50cm deep roadside ditch when riding a motorcycle. Radiograph and computed tomography (CT) on admission showed fractures through both pars of C2 and C2 posterior dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission showed high T2-weighted signal intensity of cervical spinal cord and compression of cervical spinal cord by posterior dislocation of C2 vertebral body. After 5 days of skull traction with 5 kg weight before operation, the dislocation aggravated. A C2-3 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) was performed. At 6 months after operation, bony fusion was achieved, and MRI showed the T2-weighted signal hyperintensity of cervical spinal cord before surgery disappeared.Conclusion: We proposed a new subtype of hangman's fractures here, type IIb hangman’s fractures: type II hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation. C2–C3 ACDF is recommended for type IIb hangman’s fractures. Traction before surgery is not recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Jun Yang ◽  
Sehan Park ◽  
Seongyun Park

AbstractThis retrospective comparative study aimed to compare the efficacy of selective caudal fixed screw constructs with all variable screw constructs in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Thirty-five patients who underwent surgery using selective caudal fixed screw construct (SF group) were compared with 44 patients who underwent surgery using all variable constructs (AV group). The fusion rate, subsidence, adjacent level ossification development (ALOD), adjacent segmental disease (ASD), and plate-adjacent disc space distance were assessed. The one-year fusion rates assessed by computed tomography bone bridging and interspinous motion as well as the significant subsidence rate did not differ significantly between the AV and SF groups. The ALOD and ASD rates and plate-adjacent disc space distances did not significantly differ between the two groups at both the cranial and caudal adjacent levels. The number of operated levels was significantly associated with pseudarthrosis in the logistic regression analysis. The stability provided by the locking mechanism of the fixed screw did not lead to an increased fusion rate at the caudal level. Therefore, the screw type should be selected based on individual patient’s anatomy and surgeon’s experience without concern for increased complications caused by screw type.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110155
Author(s):  
Leonard Haller ◽  
Khush Mehul Kharidia ◽  
Caitlin Bertelsen ◽  
Jeffrey Wang ◽  
Karla O’Dell

Objective: We sought to identify risk factors associated with long-term dysphagia, characterize changes in dysphagia over time, and evaluate the incidence of otolaryngology referrals for patients with long-term dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). Methods: About 56 patients who underwent ACDF between May 2017 to February 2019 were included in the study. All patients were assessed for dysphagia using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) survey preoperatively and late postoperatively (≥1 year). Additionally, 28 patients were assessed for dysphagia early postoperatively (2 weeks—3 months). Demographic data, medical comorbidities, intraoperative details, and post-operative otolaryngology referral rates were collected from electronic medical records. Results: Of the 56 patients enrolled, 21 patients (38%) had EAT-10 scores of 3 or more at long-term follow-up. None of the demographics, comorbidities, or surgical factors assessed were associated with long-term dysphagia. Patients who reported no long-term dysphagia had a mean EAT-10 score of 6.9 early postoperatively, while patients with long-term symptoms had a mean score of 18.1 ( P = .006). Of the 21 patients who reported persistent dysphagia symptoms, 3 (14%) received dysphagia testing or otolaryngology referrals post-operatively. Conclusion: Dysphagia is a notable side effect of ACDF surgery, but there are no significant demographics, comorbidities, or surgical risk factors that predict long-term dysphagia. Early postoperative characterization of dysphagia using the EAT-10 questionnaire can help predict long-term symptoms. There is inadequate screening and otolaryngology follow-up for patients with post-ACDF dysphagia.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Hyung A Ryu ◽  
Dominick Richards ◽  
Mena G Kerolus ◽  
Adewale A Bakare ◽  
Ryan Khanna ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Although advances in implant materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), have been developed aimed to improve outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), it is essential to confirm whether these changes translate into clinically important sustained benefits. OBJECTIVE To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing up to 3-level ACDF with PEEK vs structural allograft implants. METHODS In this cohort study, radiographic and symptomatic nonunion rates were compared in consecutive patients who underwent 1 to 3 level ACDF with allograft or PEEK implant. Prospectively collected clinical data and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were compared between the allograft and PEEK groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of nonunion. RESULTS In total, 194 of 404 patients met the inclusion criteria (79% allograft vs 21% PEEK). Preoperative demographic variables were comparable between the 2 groups except for age. The rate of radiographic nonunion was higher with PEEK implants (39% vs 27%, P = .0035). However, a higher proportion of nonunion in the allograft cohort required posterior instrumentation (14% vs 3%, P = .039). Patients with multilevel procedures and PEEK implants had up to 5.8 times the risk of radiographic nonunion, whereas younger patients, active smokers, and multilevel procedures were at higher risk of symptomatic nonunion. CONCLUSION Along with implant material, factors such as younger age, active smoking status, and the number of operated levels were independent predictors of fusion failure. Given the impact of nonunion on PRO, perioperative optimization of modifiable factors and surgical planning are essential to ensure a successful outcome.


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