Posterior Temporary C1-2 Pedicle Screws Fixation for the Treatment of Unstable C1-2 Complex Fractures: Minimum of 2-Year Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822110391
Author(s):  
Yakubu Ibrahim ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
Geng Zhao ◽  
Suomao Yuan ◽  
Yiwei Zhao ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective. Objectives: To present rarely reported complex fractures of the upper cervical spine (C1-C2) and discuss the clinical results of the posterior temporary C1-2 pedicle screws fixation for C1-C2 stabilization. Methods: A total of 19 patients were included in the study (18 males and 1 female). Their age ranged from 23 to 66 years (mean age of 39.6 years). The patients were diagnosed with complex fractures of the atlas and the axis of the upper cervical spine and underwent posterior temporary C1-2 pedicle screws fixation. The patients underwent a serial postoperative clinical examination at approximately 3, 6, 9 months, and annually thereafter. The neck disability index (NDI) and the range of neck rotary motion were used to evaluate the postoperative clinical efficacy of the patients. Results: The average operation time and blood loss were 110 ± 25 min and 50 ± 12 ml, respectively. The mean follow-up was 38 ± 11 months (range 22 to 60 months). The neck rotary motion before removal, immediately after removal, and the last follow-up were 68.7 ± 7.1°, 115.1 ± 11.7°, and 149.3 ± 8.9° ( P < 0.01). The NDI scores before and after the operation were 42.7 ± 4.3, 11.1 ± 4.0 ( P < 0.01), and the NDI score 2 days after the internal fixation was removed was 7.3 ± 2.9, which was better than immediately after the operation ( P < 0.01), and 2 years after the internal fixation was removed. The NDI score was 2.0 ± 0.8, which was significantly better than 2 days after the internal fixation was taken out ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Posterior temporary screw fixation is a good alternative surgical treatment for unstable C1-C2 complex fractures.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beiping Ouyang ◽  
Xiaobao Zou ◽  
Ling Ni ◽  
Su Ge ◽  
Yuyue Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Intraspinal upper cervical C1-C2 tumors pose a challenge in resection. Internal fixation has routinely been used to prevent the occurrence of instability after atlantoaxial laminectomy for resection of C1-C2 intraspinal tumors, that sacrifices the motion of upper cervical spine. We therefore present this report to evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-stage posterior resection of these tumors through the atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation.Methods: Ten suitably selected patient with C1-C2 intraspinal tumors were included in this study (period January 2016 to January 2018). All the patients underwent one-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation. The efficacy of the procedure was documented by comparing postoperative and preoperative outcome scores [The visual analogue scores (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association scores (JOA), neck disability index (NDI)], cervical physiological curvature and range of flexion-extension. Safety was assessed by documenting the complications associated with surgery and subsequent sequale. Results: 6 Male and 4 female patients with mean age 36 years (range 17 years to 50 years) underwent total tumor resection through posterior only approach using the atlantoaxial lamina space for the following tumors: 4 neurofibromas, 3 schwannomas and 3 meningiomas. The mean follow-up was 31.2 months (range 24–36 months). These patients’ pathological types included. Postoperative VAS and NDI were lower than those of pre-operation with statistical significance (p < 0.05) while postoperative JOA was higher than that of pre-operation (p < 0.05). The physiological curvature and activity of cervical spine were maintained at latest follow up. Three patients suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakages that was managed consertaviley with no added intervention required. No patient had local recurrence at latest follow-up.Conclusion: One-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without fixation is an effective and safe treatment for the upper cervical intraspinal tumor. In our experience this technique can remove tumor completely and does not cause instability to C1-C2 joint.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beiping Ouyang ◽  
Xiaobao Zou ◽  
Ling Ni ◽  
Su Ge ◽  
Yuyue Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Intraspinal upper cervical C1-C2 tumors pose a challenge in resection. Internal fixation has routinely been used to prevent the occurrence of instability after atlantoaxial laminectomy for resection of C1-C2 intraspinal tumors, that sacrifices the motion of upper cervical spine. We therefore present this report to evaluate the efficacy and safety of one-stage posterior resection of these tumors through the atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation. Methods: Ten suitably selected patient with C1-C2 intraspinal tumors were included in this study (period January 2016 to January 2018). All the patients underwent one-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without internal fixation. The efficacy of the procedure was documented by comparing postoperative and preoperative outcome scores [The visual analogue scores (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association scores (JOA), neck disability index (NDI)], cervical physiological curvature and range of flexion-extension. Safety was assessed by documenting the complications associated with surgery and subsequent sequale. Results: 6 Male and 4 female patients with mean age 36 years (range 17 years to 50 years) underwent total tumor resection through posterior only approach using the atlantoaxial lamina space for the following tumors: 4 neurofibromas, 3 schwannomas and 3 meningiomas. The mean follow-up was 31.2 months (range 24–36 months). These patients’ pathological types included. Postoperative VAS and NDI were lower than those of pre-operation with statistical significance (p < 0.05) while postoperative JOA was higher than that of pre-operation (p < 0.05). The physiological curvature and activity of cervical spine were maintained at latest follow up. Three patients suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakages that was managed consertaviley with no added intervention required. No patient had local recurrence at latest follow-up. Conclusion: One-stage posterior resection through atlantoaxial lamina space without fixation is an effective and safe treatment for the upper cervical intraspinal tumor. In our experience this technique can remove tumor completely and does not cause instability to C1-C2 joint.


Author(s):  
Katharina E. Wenning ◽  
Martin F. Hoffmann

Abstract Background The C0 to C2 region is the keystone for range of motion in the upper cervical spine. Posterior procedures usually include a fusion of at least one segment. Atlantoaxial fusion (AAF) only inhibits any motion in the C1/C2 segment whereas occipitocervical fusion (OCF) additionally interferes with the C0/C1 segment. The purpose of our study was to investigate clinical outcome of patients that underwent OCF or AAF for upper cervical spine injuries. Methods Over a 5-year period (2010–2015), consecutive patients with upper cervical spine disorders were retrospectively identified as having been treated with OCF or AAF. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to evaluate postoperative neck pain and health restrictions. Demographics, follow-up, and clinical outcome parameters were evaluated. Infection, hematoma, screw malpositioning, and deaths were used as complication variables. Follow-up was at least 6 months postoperatively. Results Ninety-six patients (male = 42, female = 54) underwent stabilization of the upper cervical spine. OCF was performed in 44 patients (45.8%), and 52 patients (54.2%) were treated with AAF. Patients with OCF were diagnosed with more comorbidities (p = 0.01). Follow-up was shorter in the OCF group compared to the AAF group (6.3 months and 14.3 months; p = 0.01). No differences were found related to infection (OCF 4.5%; AAF 7.7%) and revision rate (OCF 13.6%; AAF 17.3%; p > 0.05). Regarding bother and disability, no differences were discovered utilizing the NDI score (AAF 21.4%; OCF 37.4%; p > 0.05). A reduction of disability measured by the NDI was observed with greater follow-up for all patients (p = 0.01). Conclusion Theoretically, AAF provides greater range of motion by preserving the C0/C1 motion segment resulting in less disability. The current study did not show any significant differences regarding clinical outcome measured by the NDI compared to OCF. No differences were found regarding complication and infection rates in both groups. Both techniques provide a stable treatment with comparable clinical outcome.


Author(s):  
Fabiana Forti Sakabe ◽  
Daniel Iwai Sakabe ◽  
Gustavo Luiz Bortolazzo

There is a relationship between headaches and dysfunctions in the upper cervical spine, so joint manipulation in this region can be a useful tool for recovering tissue mobility and improving the related symptoms. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of 3 sessions of manipulation of the upper cervical spine on pain, cervical mobility, neck disability index (NDI) and the MIDAS questionnaire of subjects with headache. Methods: 13 subjects (28.1 ± 6.7 years) with headache participated. Initially, they filled in a pain diary for 4 weeks. After this period, NDI and MIDAS questionnaire were applied. Then, the cervical spine movements were measured with a tape measure, with the subject in the seated position. Subsequently, the intervention was performed (3 sessions with an interval of 7 days between them), with the subject positioned in the supine position and the global manipulation for the upper cervical spine was applied bilaterally. At the end of the intervention, subjects were re-evaluated for cervical mobility and for the NDI and MIDAS questionnaire. After that period, subjects answered the pain diary for another 4 weeks (follow up). The statistical analysis consisted of the KS normality test, followed by ANOVA test (and Tukey post hoc test) or paired Student's t test, with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: MIDAS questionnaire and NDI showed a significant improvement after the cervical mobility intervention. The pain parameters, assessed by the pain diary, were significantly reduced during the intervention and remained so in the follow up evaluation. Conclusion: the intervention was effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of subjects with headache.


2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. E5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kern H. Guppy ◽  
Indro Chakrabarti ◽  
Amit Banerjee

Imaging guidance using intraoperative CT (O-arm surgical imaging system) combined with a navigation system has been shown to increase accuracy in the placement of spinal instrumentation. The authors describe 4 complex upper cervical spine cases in which the O-arm combined with the StealthStation surgical navigation system was used to accurately place occipital screws, C-1 screws anteriorly and posteriorly, C-2 lateral mass screws, and pedicle screws in C-6. This combination was also used to navigate through complex bony anatomy altered by tumor growth and bony overgrowth. The 4 cases presented are: 1) a developmental deformity case in which the C-1 lateral mass was in the center of the cervical canal causing cord compression; 2) a case of odontoid compression of the spinal cord requiring an odontoidectomy in a patient with cerebral palsy; 3) a case of an en bloc resection of a C2–3 chordoma with instrumentation from the occiput to C-6 and placement of C-1 lateral mass screws anteriorly and posteriorly; and 4) a case of repeat surgery for a non-union at C1–2 with distortion of the anatomy and overgrowth of the bony structure at C-2.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo D. Vilela ◽  
Eric C. Peterson

Even though fractures in children with immature spines occur predominantly in the upper cervical spine, isolated C-1 fractures are relatively rare. The fractures in almost all cases reported to date were considered stable due to the presence of the intact transverse ligament. The authors report the case of a young child who sustained a Jefferson fracture and in whom MR imaging revealed disruption of the transverse ligament. Although surgical treatment has been suggested as the treatment of choice for children with unstable atlantoaxial injuries, external immobilization alone allowed a full recovery in the patient with no evidence of instability at follow-up.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haisong Yang ◽  
Yuling Sun ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Chunyan Gao ◽  
Fengbin Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background It is a challenge to reduce and immobilize the broken “bamboo spine”, especially for the upper cervical spine, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) before and during posterior surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the case histories, operations, neurologic outcomes, follow-up data, and imaging records of 17 patients with AS and upper cervical spine fracture-dislocation who underwent surgical treatment in three clinical spine center from 2010 to 2019. A halo vest was used to reduce and immobilize fractured spinal column ends. The neurological injury was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before and after operation. Complications and time of bone fusion were recorded. Results Fourteen patients achieved closed anatomical reduction after halo vest application. No displacement in fracture ends and loss of reduction occurred after prone position. No patient presented with secondary neurological deterioration. All patients was performed posterior surgery. The surgery improved the ASIA grade in all patients (P < 0.001). The mean JOA score also increased significantly at last follow-up compared to preoperation (14.5 ± 2.3 vs. 9.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.01). No severe complication and death occurred. All patients reached solid bony fusion at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Use of a halo vest before and during the operation is safe and effective in patients with AS who develop upper cervical spine fracture-dislocation. This technique makes positioning, awake nasoendotracheal intubation, nursing, and the operation more convenient. It can also provide satisfactory reduction and rigid immobilization and prevent secondary neurologic deterioration. .


2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (01) ◽  
pp. 066-072
Author(s):  
Philipp Dammann ◽  
Tobias Schoemberg ◽  
Yahya Ahmadipour ◽  
Michael Payer ◽  
Ulrich Sure ◽  
...  

Background and Objective We present a treatment approach for a rare condition of patients with a ventral C1 fracture and a congenital cleft in the posterior arch (half-ring Jefferson fracture) with an intact transverse atlantal ligament. Our technique aims to achieve stability of the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints while preserving mobility of the upper cervical spine. Patients and Methods Two male patients, 43 years and 29 years of age, respectively, were admitted to our hospital due to a fracture of the ventral arch of the atlas with no damage of the transverse atlantal ligament. Both men also presented a congenital cleft of the posterior arch. Initial conservative management with a halo-thoracic vest was performed in one case and failed. As a result, surgical treatment was performed in both cases using bilateral C1 mass screws and a transverse connector. Results The patients showed no neurologic deficits on follow-up examination 4 weeks after surgery with a full range of head and neck motion. Computed tomography (CT) showed no dislocation of the implanted material with good dorsal alignment and a stable ventral fracture distance. Follow-up CT showed osseous stability in both cases with the beginning of bony ossification of the bone graft. Conclusion Isolated instable fractures of the ventral arch of the atlas with a congenital cleft of the posterior arch with no damage of the transverse atlantal ligament can be stabilized using bilateral C1 mass screws and a transverse connector preserving upper cervical spine mobility.


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