Direct anterior screw fixation for recent and remote odontoid fractures

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald I. Apfelbaum ◽  
Russell R. Lonser ◽  
Robert Veres ◽  
Adrian Casey
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Odontoid Fractures ◽  
Hardware Failure ◽  
University Of Utah ◽  
Bone Fusion ◽  
Anterior Screw Fixation ◽  
Operative Findings ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The management of odontoid fractures remains controversial. Only direct anterior screw fixation provides immediate stabilization of the spine and may preserve normal C1–2 motion. To determine the indications, optimum timing, and results for direct anterior screw fixation of odontoid fractures, the authors reviewed the surgery-related outcome of patients who underwent this procedure at two institutions. Methods. One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients (98 males and 49 females) who underwent direct anterior screw fixation for recent (≤ 6 months postinjury [129 patients]) or remote (≥ 18 months postinjury [18 patients]) Type II (138 cases) or III (nine cases) odontoid fractures at the University of Utah (94 patients) and National Institute of Traumatology in Budapest, Hungary (53 patients) between 1986 and 1998 are included in this study (mean follow up 18.2 months). Data obtained from clinical examination, review of hospital charts, operative findings, and imaging studies were used to analyze the surgery-related results in these patients. In patients with recent fractures there was an overall bone fusion rate of 88%. The rate of anatomical bone fusion of recent fractures was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in fractures oriented in the horizontal and posterior oblique direction (compared with anterior oblique), but this finding was independent (p ≥ 0.05) of age, sex, number of screws placed (one or two), and the degree or the direction of odontoid displacement. In patients with remote fractures there was a significantly lower rate of bone fusion (25%). Overall, complications related to hardware failure occurred in 14 patients (10%) and those unrelated to hardware in three patients (2%). There was one death (1%) related to surgery. Conclusions. Direct anterior screw fixation is an effective and safe method for treating recent odontoid fractures (< 6 months postinjury). It confers immediate stability, preserves C1–2 rotatory motion, and achieves a fusion rate that compares favorably with alternative treatment methods. In contradistinction, in patients with remote fractures (≥ 18 months postinjury) a significantly lower rate of fusion is found when using this technique, and these patients are believed to be poor candidates for this procedure.

scholarly journals Direct anterior screw fixation for recent and remote odontoid fractures

2000 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald I. Apfelbaum ◽  
Russell R. Lonser ◽  
Robert Veres ◽  
Adrian Casey
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Odontoid Fractures ◽  
Hardware Failure ◽  
University Of Utah ◽  
Bone Fusion ◽  
Anterior Screw Fixation ◽  
Operative Findings ◽  
The University

Object The management of odontoid fractures remains controversial. Only direct anterior screw fixation provides immediate stabilization of the spine and may preserve normal C1–2 motion. To determine the indications, optimum timing, and results for direct anterior screw fixation of odontoid fractures, the authors reviewed the surgery-related outcome of patients who underwent this procedure at two institutions. Methods One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients (98 males and 49 females) who underwent direct anterior screw fixation for a recent fracture (< 6 months postinjury [129 patients]) or remote (≥ 18 months postinjury [18 patients]) Type II (138 cases) or III (nine cases) odontoid fractures at the University of Utah (94 patients) and National Institute of Traumatology in Budapest, Hungary (53 patients) between 1986 and 1998 are included in this study (mean follow-up period 18.2 months). Data obtained from clinical examination, review of hospital charts, operative findings, and imaging studies were used to analyze the surgery-related results in these patients. In patients with recent fractures there was an overall bone fusion rate of 88%. The rate of anatomical bone fusion of recent fractures was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in fractures oriented in the horizontal and posterior oblique direction (as compared with anterior oblique), but this finding was independent (p ≥ 0.05) of age, sex, number of screws placed (one or two), and the degree or the direction of odontoid displacement. In patients with remote fractures there was a significantly lower rate of bone fusion (25%). Overall, complications related to hardware failure occurred in 14 patients (10%) and unrelated to hardware in three patients (2%). There was one death (1%) related to surgery. Conclusions Direct anterior screw fixation is an effective and safe method for treating recent odontoid fractures (< 6 months postinjury). It confers immediate stability, preserves C1–2 rotatory motion, and achieves a fusion rate that compares favorably with alternative treatment methods. In contradistinction, in patients with remote fractures (≥ 18 months postinjury) a significantly lower rate of fusion is found when using this technique, and these patients are believed to be poor candidates for this procedure.

Outcome analysis for adults with spondylolisthesis treated with posterolateral fusion and transpedicular screw fixation

1997 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles L. Schnee ◽  
Andrew Freese ◽  
Lee V. Ansell
Keyword(s):  
Pedicle Screw ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Transpedicular Screw Fixation ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The outcomes of 52 adult patients with symptomatic low-grade spondylolisthesis treated with autologous posterolateral arthrodesis and pedicle screw fixation were retrospectively reviewed. Although a 90% rate of successful fusion was obtained using this technique, only 60% of patients were considered to have good outcomes. Treatment failures consisted mostly of back pain and were not predicted by preoperative symptoms. Compensation claims and smoking had very significant adverse impacts on both employment and pain results despite high fusion rates, particularly in patients under the age of 55 years. Overall, patients who required more than one operation demonstrated poor outcomes compared to those who only needed one. However, patients with at least two prior operations or preoperative pseudoarthrosis fared particularly poorly, whereas those who had undergone only one prior surgery and had no attendant compensation issue reported good results. A trend toward poor outcome was observed in patients with postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis, versus those with isthmic or degenerative etiologies. Gender did not exert an impact on outcome. The authors conclude that autologous posterolateral arthrodesis combined with pedicle screw fixation resulted in a high fusion rate, and contributed to successful outcomes in the treatment of certain subgroups of adults with spondylolisthesis. In the absence of other risk factors, patients may obtain significant benefit from surgery despite older age and a single failed operation. Careful patient selection appears critical in predicting the maximum benefit from this technique.

Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation: a review of surgical indications, fusion rate, complications, and lessons learned in 67 pediatric patients

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne M. Gluf ◽  
Douglas L. Brockmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Transarticular Screw ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transarticular Screw Fixation ◽  
Fine Print

Object. In this, the second of two articles regarding C1–2 transarticular screw fixation, the authors discuss their surgical experience in treating patients 16 years of age and younger, detailing the rate of fusion, complication avoidance, and lessons learned in the pediatric population. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed 67 consecutive patients (23 girls and 44 boys) younger than 16 years of age in whom at least one C1–2 transarticular screw fixation procedure was performed. A total of 127 transarticular screws were placed in these 67 patients whose mean age at time of surgery was 9 years (range 1.7–16 years). The indications for surgery were trauma in 24 patients, os odontoideum in 22 patients, and congenital anomaly in 17 patients. Forty-four patients underwent atlantoaxial fusion and 23 patients underwent occipitocervical fusion. Two of the 67 patients underwent halo therapy postoperatively. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months. In all 67 patients successful fusion was achieved.Complications occurred in seven patients (10.4%), including two vertebral artery injuries. Conclusions. The use of C1–2 transarticular screw fixation, combined with appropriate atlantoaxial and craniovertebral bone/graft constructs, resulted in a 100% fusion rate in a large consecutive series of pediatric patients. The risks of C1–2 transarticular screw fixation can be minimized in this population by undertaking careful patient selection and meticulous preoperative planning.

Effect of spinal disease on successful arthrodesis in lumbar pedicle screw fixation

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prithvi Narayan ◽  
Regis W. Haid ◽  
Brian R. Subach ◽  
Christopher H. Comey ◽  
Gerald E. Rodts
Keyword(s):  
Pedicle Screw ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽  
Spinal Disease ◽  
Degenerative Scoliosis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Pedicle screw fixation with transverse process fusion has gained widespread acceptance since its inception. Improved rates of arthrodesis have been demonstrated when this technique is used. The authors present one of the largest series of patients to undergo this procedure at a single center; one of the goals was to correlate construct length and spinal disease with rates of successful arthrodesis by conducting a prospective analysis of lumbar fusion in which pedicle screws were placed. Methods. During a 7-year period, the senior author performed pedicle screw fixation with posterolateral fusion in 457 patients; the mean follow-up period was 28.4 months. Indications for fusion included metastatic tumor, single-level degenerative disc disease (DDD), trauma, degenerative scoliosis, and translational vertebral instability. Successful fusion was based on the radiographic demonstration of a bilateral contiguous osseous bridge over the transverse processes and absence of movement on dynamic x-ray films. Fusion rates were lowest in cases of tumors (54%) and highest in cases of trauma (96%). In patients with single-level DDD the rate was 91%, and in those with translational instability it was 89%. Fusion rates, however, declined steeply in relation to each additional motion segment in the translational instability group. In this group a strong linear trend for proportion was demonstrated (p < 0.001). The overall fusion rate in patients with degenerative scoliosis was 70%. The overall fusion rate for the entire group was 86%. Conclusions. The data in this study can be used as a benchmark with which to compare newer technologies. Although overall pedicle screw—assisted fusion rate in cases of trauma or selected degenerative lesions approached 90%, the arthrodesis rates are not uniform for the different diagnoses. This appears to be related to the underlying spinal disease and the number of segments included in the fusion.

Triple anterior screw fixation of an acute combination atlas—axis fracture

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Apostolides ◽  
Nicholas Theodore ◽  
Dean G. Karahalios ◽  
Volker K. H. Sonntag
Keyword(s):  
Successful Treatment ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Chest Physiotherapy ◽  
Oxygen Desaturation ◽  
Salvage Procedure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anterior Screw Fixation ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report the successful treatment of an acute combination atlas—axis fracture in an 85-year-old man using anterior odontoid and C1–2 transarticular facet screw fixation and a Philadelphia collar. Treatment with halo brace immobilization failed, and the patient experienced recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation when placed partially prone for chest physiotherapy. If a posterior approach is not feasible, an anterior odontoid and C1–2 transarticular facet screw fixation can be considered as a salvage procedure for patients with acute combination atlas—axis fractures.

A clinical comparison of one- and two-screw odontoid fixation

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Jenkins ◽  
Domagoj Coric ◽  
Charles L. Branch
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Union Rate ◽  
Clinical Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Odontoid Fractures ◽  
Efficacious Treatment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fixation Techniques ◽  
The One ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The optimal treatment of Type II odontoid fractures is controversial. Various therapies have been used, including nonrigid immobilization, halo orthosis, posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis, and odontoid screw fixation. Of these, odontoid screw fixation is the only treatment modality that provides immediate stabilization and preserves normal motion at C1–2. It has been suggested in cadaveric biomechanical studies that there is no advantage to using more than one screw for anterior odontoid fixation. The authors compared the clinical safety and efficacy of one- and two-screw anterior odontoid fixation. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 42 consecutive patients who had undergone fixation for treatment of odontoid fractures at a single institution between 1989 and 1995. The group treated with a single screw consisted of 20 patients (11 males and nine females) with an average age of 54 years. The union rate in this group, as determined by postoperative dynamic radiographs, was 81%. The group treated with two screws consisted of 22 patients (13 men and nine women) with an average age of 64 years, whose union rate was 85%. Conclusions. Anterior odontoid screw fixation is a safe and efficacious treatment for odontoid fractures. In the authors' experience there was no significant difference in the successful union rates achieved with either the one- or two-screw fixation techniques (81% and 85%, respectively; χ2 = 0.09, p = 0.76).

Impact of interlaminar graft materials on the fusion status in atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morio Matsumoto ◽  
Kazuhiro Chiba ◽  
Masaya Nakamura ◽  
Yuto Ogawa ◽  
Yoshiaki Toyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Os Odontoideum ◽  
Transarticular Screw ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transarticular Screw Fixation ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Structural interlaminar graft materials were used for atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation (TSF), and its impact on the fusion status was investigated. Methods. Forty-two patients (10 men, 32 women, mean age 51 years, mean follow-up period 45 months; 30 with rheumatoid arthritis, and 12 with os odontoideum) underwent TSF and modified Brooks posterior wiring involving titanium cables. As interlaminar graft materials, autologous bone from posterior iliac crest alone was used in 20 patients (Group A), and a structural spacer (13 ceramic spacers, nine titanium mesh cages) in 22 (Group B). Lateral radiographs were evaluated to determine bone fusion, alignment of the cervical spine, and wire loosening. Solid osseous fusion was obtained in 95% of Group A and 96% of Group B patients. The mean atlantoaxial angle was 19.1 ± 9.7° and 16.7 ± 10.4° before surgery (p = 0.45), and 27.4± 7.8° and 22.1 ± 5.5° after surgery (p = 0.02) in Groups A and B, respectively. Atlantoaxial hyperlordosis (atlantoaxial angle ≥ 30°) was observed in 32% of Group A and 18% of Group B patients (p = 0.26). Postoperative kyphosis occurred in 40% of Group A and 23% of Group B patients (p = 0.28). Loosening of the cable was demonstrated in 50% of Group A and 36% of Group B patients (p = 0.37). In Group B patients maintenance of cervical lordosis was more likely than in those in Group A, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions. These results indicate that structural interlaminar spacers can maintain proper cervical alignment without a decease in the fusion rate; the authors recommend their use in conjunction with TSF.

Avoiding pitfalls in anterior screw fixation for Type II odontoid fractures

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus D. Mazur ◽  
Michael L. Mumert ◽  
Erica F. Bisson ◽  
Meic H. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Patient Selection ◽  
Operative Technique ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Odontoid Fractures ◽  
Anterior Screw Fixation ◽  
Key Points ◽  
High Fusion Rate

Anterior screw fixation of Type II odontoid fractures provides immediate stabilization of the cervical spine while preserving C1–2 motion. This technique has a high fusion rate, but can be technically challenging. The authors identify key points that should be taken into account to maximize the chance for a favorable outcome. Keys to success include proper patient and fracture selection, identification of suitable screw entry point and correct screw trajectory, achieving bicortical purchase, and placing 2 screws when feasible and applicable. The authors review the operative technique and present guidance on appropriate patient selection and common pitfalls in anterior screw fixation, with strategies for avoiding complications.

Failure of transodontoid screw fixation

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahin Etebar ◽  
David W. Cahill
Keyword(s):  
Screw Dislocation ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Odontoid Fractures ◽  
Surgical Fusion ◽  
Anterior Body ◽  
Postoperative Fracture ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Anterior odontoid screw fixation is being performed with increasing frequency and may currently be the treatment of choice for Type II and selected Type III odontoid fractures, because it is the only surgical fusion that preserves C1–2 motion. Typically patients are immobilized postoperatively in a simple cervical collar. The authors present a case of postoperative fracture of the anterior body of the axis secondary to screw dislocation 5 weeks after single anterior odontoid screw osteosynthesis. Possible reasons for this rare complication and its implications for the technique are discussed.

Retroperitoneal lateral lumbar interbody fusion with titanium threaded fusion cages

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Wolfla ◽  
Dennis J. Maiman ◽  
Frank J. Coufal ◽  
James R. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Single Cage ◽  
Novel Technique ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Intertransverse arthrodesis in which instrumentation is placed is associated with an excellent fusion rate; however, treatment of patients with symptomatic nonunion presents a number of difficulties. Revision posterior and traditional anterior procedures are associated with methodological problems. For example, in the latter, manipulation of the major vessels from L-2 to L-4 may be undesirable. The authors describe a method for performing retroperitoneal lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) in which a threaded cage is placed from L-2 through L-5 via a lateral trajectory, and they also detail a novel technique for implanting a cage from L-5 to S-1 via an oblique trajectory. Although they present data obtained over a 2-year period in the study of 15 patients, the focus of this report is primarily on describing the surgical procedure. Methods. The lateral lumbar spine was exposed via a standard retroperitoneal approach. Using the anterior longitudinal ligament as a landmark, the L2–3 through L4–5 levels were fitted with instrumentation via a true lateral trajectory; the L5—S1 level was fitted with instrumentation via an oblique trajectory. A single cage was placed at each instrumented level. Fifteen symptomatic patients in whom previous lumbar fusion had failed underwent retroperitoneal LIF. Thirty-eight levels were fitted with instrumentation. There have been no instrumentation-related failures, and fusion has occurred at 37 levels during the 2-year postoperative period. Conclusions. The use of retroperitoneal LIF in which threaded fusion cages are used avoids the technical difficulties associated with repeated posterior procedures. In addition, it allows L2—S1 instrumentation to be placed anteriorly via a single surgical approach. This construct has been shown to be biomechanically sound in animal models, and it appears to be a useful alternative for the management of failed multilevel intertransverse arthrodesis.

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