ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical outcome of atlantoaxial pedicle screw instrument in treatment of extension-type odontoid fracture combined with aflantoaxial subluxation. Methods From December 2002 to December 2006, seven patients with extension-type odontoid fracture combined with at-lantoaxial subluxation were reduced and fixed with atlantoaxial pedicle screw instrument of Vertex system under general anesthesia. There were five males and two females, at mean age of 39.2 years (range 21-59 years). All odontoid fractures were fresh type Aderson Ⅱ. JOA scores of spinal core function was 8.6-14.9 (average 10.7) preoperatively. The X-ray examination, CT scanning and skull traction were performed in all patients preoperatively. Results There found no severe complications such as injuries of vertebral artery, nerve root and spinal cord postoperatively. All patients obtained complete reduction and healing of the fracture and dislocation. The mean off-bed time was four days (3-6 days) after opera-tion. A follow-up for 12-36 months (average 22 months) in all patients showed that the clinical symptom was improved significantly six months postoperatively and that all screws were in proper position verified by X-ray and CT scanning. All patients obtained solid bony union on radiographs, with no loosing or breakage of instrument. The postoperative JOA scores was 13.5-16.9 (average 15.8). Conclusions Allantoaxial pedicle screw fixation has advantages of intraoperative reduction, reliable fixation and high fusion rate and can be used as an effective method for extension-type odontoid fracture combined with at-lantoaxial subluxation.