scholarly journals Transoral digital reduction of complete anterior odontoid dislocation followed by fiducial-based navigated transcondylar screw fixation: illustrative case

2022 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Craniocervical Instability

BACKGROUND Posterior atlantoaxial dislocations (i.e., complete anterior odontoid dislocation) without C1 arch fractures are a rare hyperextension injury most often found in high-velocity trauma patients. Treatment options include either closed or open reduction and optional spinal fusion to address atlantoaxial instability due to ligamentous injury. OBSERVATIONS A 60-year-old male was struck while on his bicycle by a truck and sustained an odontoid dislocation without C1 arch fracture. Imaging findings additionally delineated a high suspicion for craniocervical instability. The patient had neurological issues due to both a head injury and ischemia secondary to an injured vertebral artery. He was stabilized and transferred to our facility for definitive neurosurgical care. LESSONS The patient underwent a successful transoral digital closed reduction and posterior occipital spinal fusion via a fiducial-based transcondylar, C1 lateral mass, C2 pedicle, and C3 lateral mass construct. This unique reduction technique has not been recorded in the literature before and avoided potential complications of overdistraction and the need for odontoidectomy. Furthermore, the use of bone fiducials for navigated screw fixation at the craniocervical junction is a novel technique and recommended particularly for placement of technically demanding transcondylar screws and C2 pedicle screws where pars anatomy is potentially unfavorable.

scholarly journals Comparison of two techniques for the treatment for atlantoaxial instability injury: C1–C2 transarticular screws and C1 lateral mass–C2 pedicle screws

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoang Gia Du ◽  
Dao Xuan Thanh ◽  
Vu Xuan Phuoc ◽  
Nguyen Duc Hoang ◽  
Le Dang Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
Group 2

Abstract Background: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transarticular C1–C2 screw fixation (C1C2-TAS) and C1 lateral mass–C2 pedicle screw fixation (C1LM-C2PS) in patients with C1–C2 instability injuries.Methods: This study was a prospective, self-controlled, single-institute study on two fixation techniques for the treatment of atlantoaxial instability caused by injury. From 06/2006 to 02/2017, 118 patients were allocated into two groups: group 1 (C1C2-TAS group) with 52 patients and group 2 (C1LM-C2PS group) with 66 patients. The investigated variables were noted before, during and after surgery. All patients were closely followed up through physical examination and radiological imaging at 3 months postoperatively.Results: There were significant differences in operation time, blood loss, and hospital length-stay between the two groups (p <0.001). Compared with those in the C1LM-C2PS group, the mean operation time was shorter (78.94 vs. 110.91 min; p = 0.0003), blood loss during surgery was lower (122.31 vs. 258.33 ml; p <0.0001) and hospital length-stay was shorter (5.31 vs. 8.34 days; p = 0.0003) in the C1C2–TAS group. The complication of surgery was low with no injury of vertebral artery. After surgery, clinical presentations were significantly reduced and were statistically significant in both groups. The remaining patients showed satisfactory internal fixation in the postoperative radiographs and CT examination.Conclusion: C1C2-TAS and C1LM-C2PS demonstrated effectiveness and safety in the treatment of patients with atlantoaxial instability injury. Notably, C1C2-TAS resulted in shorter surgical time, lower blood loss during surgery and shorter in-hospital stay than C1LM-C2PS.

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.

scholarly journals Occipitocervical Fixation: General Considerations and Surgical Technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 647-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Fernandes Joaquim ◽  
Joseph A. Osorio ◽  
K. Daniel Riew
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Occipitocervical Fixation ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Craniocervical Instability ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Improve Patient

Study Design: Narrative literature review. Objective: To review and present details on the occipitocervical fixation (OCF) technique as well as considerations for planning the procedure. Methods: We present the surgical technique of OCF in a step-by-step didactic and practical manner with surgical tips and tricks, including C1 and C2 screw fixation techniques. Additionally, we discuss complications, the extension of fusion, types of OCF, and how to avoid common side effects associated with OCF. Results: The complex and mobile anatomy of the craniocervical junction, when requiring fixation and fusion, warrants rigid instrumentation that can be achieve using a modern screw-plate-rod construct. Indications for OCF are craniocervical instability, and atlantoaxial instability when selective atlantoaxial fusion is not feasible. OCF generally involves occiput-C2 fusion. C1 fixation is generally unnecessary, since it increases the surgical time and is associated with the risk of vascular complications. Selective occiput-C2 fusion is recommended when there is no need for including the cervical subaxial region (eg, when stenosis or fractures coexist in the subaxial spine), and good fixation is achieved at C2. Most instrumentation systems now have occipital plates that are not pre-integrated to rods, making fixation much simpler. Surgical steps, from position to wound closure, are presented in detail, with pearls for practice and discussion of cervical alignment. Conclusions: OCF is a challenging procedure, with potential risk of severe adverse effects. Understanding the surgical indications, as well as the nuances of the surgical technique, is required to improve patient outcomes and avoid complications.

scholarly journals Occipitoaxial spinal interarticular stabilization with vertebral artery preservation for atlantal lateral mass failure

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Bobinski ◽  
Marc Levivier ◽  
John M. Duff
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Single Stage ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
One Stage ◽  
Craniocervical Instability ◽  
Mass Failure ◽  
Titanium Cages ◽  
Mass Reconstruction

The treatment of craniocervical instability caused by diverse conditions remains challenging. Different techniques have been described to stabilize the craniocervical junction. The authors present 2 cases in which tumoral destruction of the C-1 lateral mass caused craniocervical instability. A one-stage occipitoaxial spinal interarticular stabilization (OASIS) technique with titanium cages and posterior occipitocervical instrumentation was used to reconstruct the C-1 lateral mass and stabilize the craniocervical junction. The ipsilateral vertebral artery was preserved. The OASIS technique offers single-stage tumor resection, C-1 lateral mass reconstruction, and stabilization with a loadsharing construct. It could be an option in the treatment of select cases of C-1 lateral mass failure.

Occipitocervical fusion using a contoured rod and wire construct in children: a reappraisal of a vintage technique

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Klimo ◽  
Nelson Astur ◽  
Kyle Gabrick ◽  
William C. Warner ◽  
Michael S. Muhlbauer
Keyword(s):  
Epithelioid Sarcoma ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Craniocervical Junction ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Occipitocervical Fusion ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Fixation Techniques

Object Many methods to stabilize and fuse the craniocervical junction have been described. One of the early designs was a contoured (Luque) rod fixated with wires, the so-called Hartshill-Ransford loop. In this study, the authors report their 20-year experience with this surgical technique in children. Methods The authors reviewed the medical records of patients 18 years of age or younger who underwent dorsal occipitocervical fusion procedures between March 1992 and March 2012 at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital using a contoured rod and wire construct. Data on basic patient characteristics, causes of instability, neurological function at presentation and at last follow-up, details of surgery, complications, and radiographic outcome were collected. Results Twenty patients (11 male) were identified, with a mean age of 5.5 years (range 1–18 years) and a median follow-up of 43.5 months. Fourteen patients had atlantooccipital dislocation, 2 patients had atlantoaxial fracture–dissociations, 2 had Down syndrome with occipitocervical and atlantoaxial instability, 1 had an epithelioid sarcoma from the clivus to C-2, and 1 had an anomalous atlas with resultant occipitocervical instability. Surgical stabilization extended from the occiput to C-1 in 3 patients, C-2 in 6, C-3 in 8, and to C-4 in 3. Bone morphogenetic protein was used in 2 patients. Two patients were placed in a halo orthosis; the rest were kept in a hard collar for 6–8 weeks. All patients were neurologically stable after surgery. One patient with a dural tear experienced wound dehiscence with CSF leakage and required reoperation. Eighteen patients went on to achieve fusion within 6 months of surgery; 1 patient was initially lost to follow-up, but recent imaging demonstrated a solid fusion. There were no early hardware or bone failures requiring hardware removal, but radiographs obtained 8 years after surgery showed that 1 patient had an asymptomatic fractured rod. There were no instances of symptomatic junctional degeneration, and no patient was found to have increasing lordosis over the fused segments. Five (31%) of the 16 trauma patients required a shunt for hydrocephalus. Conclusions Despite the proliferation of screw-fixation techniques for craniocervical instability in children, the contoured rod–wire construct remains an effective, less expensive, and technically easier alternative that has been in use for almost 30 years. It confers immediate stability, and therefore most patients will not need to be placed in a halo device postoperatively. A secondary observation in our series was the high (30%) rate of hydrocephalus requiring a shunt in patients with traumatic instability.

Versatile Usage of the Modified Lateral Mass Screw as an Alternative to Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moon-Kyu Kim ◽  
Jung-Jae Lee ◽  
Su-Hee Cho ◽  
Dai-Soon Kwak
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽  
Complete Fusion ◽  
Lateral Mass ◽  
Screw Misplacement ◽  
Cervical Pedicle ◽  
Cervical Pedicle Screws ◽  
Lateral Mass Screws

Abstract Objective Posterior subaxial cervical screw fixation is commonly performed using the cervical pedicle screws (CPS) and lateral mass screws (LMS); however, their compatibility is low. Modified lateral mass screws (mLMS, also called paravertebral foramen screw) fixation was introduced as a salvage technique for LMS fixation and has features of both LMS and CPS techniques. In the present study, the use of mLMS as an alternative to CPS was analyzed based on clinical results. Methods Seventy-eight screws (38 CPSs and 40 mLMSs) were inserted into 12 patients. The misplacement of the screws was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). The failure of instrumentation and instability were evaluated using plain radiographs. Results The total number of CPS misplacements was 3 (10.5%); however, neurologic complications were not observed. mLMSs were used in the middle segments of the fusion in 10 patients and 2 patients had mLMS fixation for single-level fusion. An additional bridging implant was not required for connecting both CPSs and mLMSs. Instability was not observed during the observation period (4–51 months). Complete fusion was seen in 10 patients. Conclusions The alternative mLMS fixation can decrease the risk of screw misplacement compared with CPS fixation alone and achieves adequate stability leading to fusion.

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