scholarly journals Minimally invasive atlantoaxial fusion: cadaveric study and report of 5 clinical cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 675-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Srikantha ◽  
Kiran S. Khanapure ◽  
Aniruddha T. Jagannatha ◽  
Krishna C. Joshi ◽  
Ravi G. Varma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Conventional Approach ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Correct Position ◽  
Vertebral Canal ◽  
Atlantoaxial Fusion ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws ◽  
Clinical Cases

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive techniques are being increasingly used to treat disorders of the cervical spine. They have a potential to reduce the postoperative neck discomfort subsequent to extensive muscle dissection associated with conventional atlantoaxial fusion procedures. The aim of this paper was to elaborate on the technique and results of minimally invasive atlantoaxial fusion. MATERIALS Minimally invasive atlantoaxial fusion was done initially in 4 fresh-frozen cadavers and subsequently in 5 clinical cases. Clinical cases included patients with reducible atlantoaxial instability and undisplaced or minimally displaced odontoid fractures. The surgical technique is illustrated in detail. RESULTS Among the cadaveric specimens, all C-1 lateral mass screws were in the correct position and 2 of the 8 C-2 screws had a vertebral canal breach. Among clinical cases, all C-1 lateral mass screws were in the correct position. Only one C-2 screw had a Grade 2 vertebral canal breach, which was clinically insignificant. None of the patients experienced neurological worsening or implant-related complications at follow-up. Evidence of rib graft fusion or C1–2 joint fusion was successfully demonstrated in 4 cases, and flexion-extension radiographs done at follow-up did not show mobility in any case. CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive atlantoaxial fusion is a safe and effective alternative to the conventional approach in selected cases. Larger series with direct comparison to the conventional approach will be required to demonstrate clinical benefit presumed to be associated with a minimally invasive approach.

Minimally Invasive Lateral Mass Screw Fixation in the Cervical Spine: Initial Clinical Experience with Long-term Follow-up

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 907-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Y. Wang ◽  
Allan D.O. Levi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Minimal Access ◽  
Lateral Mass Screw ◽  
Subaxial Cervical Spine ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Lateral mass screw fixation of the subaxial cervical spine has been a major advancement for spinal surgeons. This technique provides excellent three-dimensional fixation from C3 to C7. However, exposure of the dorsal spinal musculature can produce significant postoperative neck pain. The incorporation of a minimal access approach using tubular dilator retractors can potentially overcome the drawbacks associated with the extensive muscle stripping needed for traditional surgical exposures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the first 18 patients treated using lateral mass screws placed in a minimally invasive fashion. All patients, except 2 who were lost to follow-up, had a 2-year minimum clinical follow-up. All patients had a computed tomography (CT) scan in the immediate postoperative period to check the positioning of implanted hardware. Operative time, blood loss, and complications were ascertained. Fusion was assessed radiographically with dynamic radiographs and CT scans. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 18 patients underwent successful screw placement. Two patients had the minimal access procedure converted to an open surgery because radiographic visualization was not adequate in the lower cervical spine. Six cases involved unilateral instrumentation and 10 had bilateral screws. A total of 39 levels were instrumented. There were no intraoperative complications, and follow-up CT scans demonstrated no bony violations except in cases where bicortical purchase was achieved. All patients achieved bony fusion. CONCLUSION: A minimally invasive approach using tubular dilator retractors can be a safe and effective means for placing lateral mass screws in the subaxial cervical spine. Up to two levels can be treated in this manner. This approach preserves the integrity of the muscles and ligaments that maintain the posterior tension band of the cervical spine but requires adequate intraoperative imaging.

Clinical Outcome of Dorsal Cervical C1–C2 Fusion Using C1 Lateral Mass Screws, C2 Lamina Screws, and Interarcual Bone Graft Technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (03) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Dominik Baschera ◽  
Lazar Tosic ◽  
Joachim Oberle ◽  
Jagos Golubovic ◽  
Alex Alfieri
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Bone Graft ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Implant Failure ◽  
Bony Union ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Root Injury ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws

Aims To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of patients treated with dorsal cervical C1–C2 fusion using C1 lateral mass screws, C2 lamina screws, and interarcual bone graft. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic results of eight patients treated from 2011 to 2016. Neck pain, neurologic deficits, use of analgesics, vertebral artery injury, C2 root injury, radiologic fusion rate, malposition of screws, and implant failure were examined on day 3 and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Results One patient required revision surgery for a right-sided medial cutout of a lamina screw. None of the patients had vascular or neurologic complications. All patients were pain free and had ceased all analgesic therapy at the first follow-up examination. At the 1-year follow-up there were no complaints of neck pain, no radiologic signs of implant failure were found, and a bony union between C1 and C2 was present in all patients. Conclusion Dorsal cervical C1–C2 fusion using C1 lateral mass screws, C2 lamina screws, and interarcual bone graft are less common techniques, although they can be used safely and demonstrated excellent clinical results with regard to pain relief and a high fusion rate. The technique is an ideal alternative when other techniques are not safe for anatomical reasons.

Impact of Starting Point and Bicortical Purchase of C1 Lateral Mass Screws on Atlantoaxial Fusion

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 242-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Elliott ◽  
Omar Tanweer ◽  
Michael L. Smith ◽  
Anthony Frempong-Boadu
Keyword(s):  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Atlantoaxial Fusion ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws

scholarly journals MINIMALLY INVASIVE SINGLE-DOOR PLATE LAMINOPLASTY WITH LATERAL MASS SCREW FIXATION FOR THE UNSTABLE SEGMENT. REPORT OF TWO CASES WITH LONG FOLLOW-UP

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
SERGIO SORIANO-SOLÍS ◽  
JAVIER QUILLO-OLVERA ◽  
MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ-GARCÍA ◽  
HÉCTOR ANTONIO SORIANO SOLÍS ◽  
JOSÉ-ANTONIO SORIANO-SÁNCHEZ
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Lateral Mass Screw ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

ABSTRACT Objective: To report two cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with monosegmental instability, in which we performed a minimally invasive microsurgical transmuscular approach with tubular retractors to create a single-door plate laminoplasty combined with fixation of the unstable segment with lateral mass screws. Methods: The surgical procedures were performed by the senior author. In both patients, the follow-up was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Visual Analogue Scale for neck and radicular pain (radVAS, neckVAS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36), in the preoperative (preop) and postoperative (postop) periods, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A radiological evaluation also was performed, which included AP, lateral and flexion-extension films at 6, 12 and 24 months and CT-scan at 12 months. Results: Case 1 - preop ODI: 40%, 24 months postop ODI: 4%; preop radVAS: 7, 24 months radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 8, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 43%, 24 months PostopNDI: 8%; SF-36 - preop Physical Functioning (PF): 40, preop Vitality (VT): 40, preop Emotional role functioning (RE): 33.3, Bodily pain (BP): 51, General Health (GH): 57, Social Functioning (SF): 75; postop PF: 95, VT: 95, RE: 100, BP: 74, GH: 87, SF: 100. Case 2 - preopODI: 46%, 24 months postopODI: 10%; preop radVAS: 7, 24m radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 9, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 56%, 24 months PostopNDI: 15%; SF-36 - preop PF: 39, VT: 45, RE: 33.3, BP: 50, GH: 49, SF: 70; postop PF: 90, VT: 100, RE: 100, BP: 82, GH: 87, SF: 100. No complications, cervical instability or signs of failed surgery were found trough and at final follow-up at 24 months. We found significant clinical improvement in both patients. Conclusions: Minimally invasive cervical laminoplasty combined with lateral mass screw fixation for the unstable segment is a useful technique in cases with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with monosegmental instability. Additional comparative studies are needed to establish its efficacy.

Stabilization of the atlantoaxial complex via C-1 lateral mass and C-2 pedicle screw fixation in a multicenter clinical experience in 102 patients: modification of the Harms and Goel techniques

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry E. Aryan ◽  
C. Benjamin Newman ◽  
Eric W. Nottmeier ◽  
Frank L. Acosta ◽  
Vincent Y. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Harms Technique ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Object Stabilization of the atlantoaxial complex has proven to be very challenging. Because of the high mobility of the C1–2 motion segment, fusion rates at this level have been substantially lower than those at the subaxial spine. The set of potential surgical interventions is limited by the anatomy of this region. In 2001 Jürgen Harms described a novel technique for individual fixation of the C-1 lateral mass and the C-2 pedicle by using polyaxial screws and rods. This method has been shown to confer excellent stability in biomechanical studies. Cadaveric and radiographic analyses have indicated that it is safe with respect to osseous and vascular anatomy. Clinical outcome studies and fusion rates have been limited to small case series thus far. The authors reviewed the multicenter experience with 102 patients undergoing C1–2 fusion via the polyaxial screw/rod technique. They also describe a modification to the Harms technique. Methods One hundred two patients (60 female and 42 male) with an average age of 62 years were included in this analysis. The average follow-up was 16.4 months. Indications for surgery were instability at the C1–2 level, and a chronic Type II odontoid fracture was the most frequent underlying cause. All patients had evidence of instability on flexion and extension studies. All underwent posterior C-1 lateral mass to C-2 pedicle or pars screw fixation, according to the method of Harms. Thirty-nine patients also underwent distraction and placement of an allograft spacer into the C1–2 joint, the authors' modification of the Harms technique. None of the patients had supplemental sublaminar wiring. Results All but 2 patients with at least a 12-month follow-up had radiographic evidence of fusion or lack of motion on flexion and extension films. All patients with an allograft spacer demonstrated bridging bone across the joint space on plain x-ray films and computed tomography. The C-2 root was sacrificed bilaterally in all patients. A postoperative wound infection developed in 4 patients and was treated conservatively with antibiotics and local wound care. One patient required surgical debridement of the wound. No patient suffered a neurological injury. Unfavorable anatomy precluded the use of C-2 pedicle screws in 23 patients, and thus, they underwent placement of pars screws instead. Conclusions Fusion of C1–2 according to the Harms technique is a safe and effective treatment modality. It is suitable for a wide variety of fracture patterns, congenital abnormalities, or other causes of atlantoaxial instability. Modification of the Harms technique with distraction and placement of an allograft spacer in the joint space may restore C1–2 height and enhance radiographic detection of fusion by demonstrating a graft–bone interface on plain x-ray films, which is easier to visualize than the C1–2 joint.

Minimally Invasive Lateral Mass Screws in the Treatment of Cervical Facet Dislocations: Technical Note

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 444-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Y. Wang ◽  
Chad J. Prusmack ◽  
Barth A. Green ◽  
J. Peter Gruen ◽  
Allan D.O. Levi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Lateral Mass Screw ◽  
Vehicle Accident ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws ◽  
Facet Fracture

Abstract OBJECTIVE The technique of lateral mass screw and rod or plate fixation is a major advancement in the posterior instrumentation of the cervical spine. This technique provides rigid three-dimensional fixation, restores the dorsal tension band, and provides highly effective stabilization in patients with many types of traumatic injuries. METHODS Patient 1 was a 32-year-old man who had been in a motor vehicle accident. He presented with right C5 radiculopathy. X-ray findings included 45% anterolisthesis of C4 on C5, bilateral facet disruption, and right unilateral C4–C5 facet fracture and dislocation. The patient was placed in Gardner-Wells tongs, and the fracture was reduced with 25 pounds of traction. Patient 2 was a 56-year-old woman who had been in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in complete quadriplegia. Her initial imaging studies revealed a C3–C4 right unilateral facet fracture with subluxation. She was placed in traction, and her neurological status was reassessed. The findings of her neurological examination revealed improvement: she was found to have Brown-Séquard syndrome. Patient 3 was a 33-year-old man who was involved in a diving accident that resulted in bilaterally jumped facets at C3–C4. The patient was neurologically intact, and attempts at closed reduction were not successful. RESULTS Patients 1 and 2 underwent anterior cervical discectomy with iliac crest autograft fusion and plating. They were then placed in the prone position, and a dilator tubular retractor system was used to access the facet joint at the level of interest. The facet joints were then denuded and packed with autograft. Lateral mass screws were then placed by means of the Magerl technique, and a rod was used to connect the top-loading screws. Patient 3 underwent posterior surgery that included only removal of the superior facet, intraoperative reduction, and bilateral lateral mass screw and rod placement. CONCLUSION This technical note describes the successful placement of lateral mass screw and rod constructs with the use of a minimally invasive approach by means of a tubular dilator retractor system. This approach preserves the integrity of the muscles and ligaments that maintain the posterior tension band of the cervical spine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document