Fusión cervical anterior C2-C3 para espondilolistesis traumática del axis grado III / Anterior C2-C3 Cervical Fusion for Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of the Axis Grade III

RESUMEN Se trata de un paciente masculino de 85 años de edad, que sufrió una caída y fue inmovilizado y trasladado al servicio de urgencia; refería dolor cervical y rigidez del cuello. Al examen neurológico no se constata déficit neurológico, salvo la contractura de la musculatura cervical. Se le diagnosticó espondilolistesis traumática del axis grado III confirmada mediante estudios radiográficos. Se le realizó abordaje anterior retrofaríngeo extendido con fijación con láminas y tornillos C2-3. El paciente utilizó ortesis rígida externa durante 4 semanas. Su evolución fue favorable(AU)

ABSTRACT This is an 85-year-old male patient who fell and was immobilized and transferred to the emergency department. He complained of neck pain and neck stiffness. Neurological examination revealed no neurological deficit, except for the contracture of the cervical musculature. Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis grade III confirmed by radiographic studies was diagnosed. An extended anterior retropharyngeal approach was performed with fixation with blades and C2-3 screws. The patient wore a rigid external orthosis for 4 weeks. His evolution was favorable(AU)

Posterior C2-C3 Fixation for Unstable Hangman's Fracture

OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective review of 13 unstable Hangman's fractures who underwent posterior C2-3 fixation to describe clinical outcomes with a literature review. METHODS: Thirteen patients for unstable Hangman's fracture were enrolled between July 2007 and June 2010 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Concurrently, clinical outcomes were evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during preoperative and postoperative follow up period. Plain radiographs were obtained on postoperative 1day, 1week, and then at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months. CT was done at postoperative 12 months in all patients for evaluation of bone fusion. The mean period of clinical follow-up was 17 months. RESULTS: Mean age were 43 years old. Bone fusion was recognized in all cases at the final follow-up. The average preoperative VAS score for neck pain was 8.3+/-1.1, while the final follow-up VAS score was 2.07+/-0.8 (p<0.001). The average immediate postoperative NDI was 84% points and final NDI was 22% points (p<0.001). There were one case of infection and 1 case of screw loosening. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the patients with unstable Hangman's fracture, posterior C2-C3 fusions is effective and curative treatments to achieve cervical spinal stability.

Clinical Analysis on Various Fractures of the Axis

This retrospective analysis describes the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 15 patients with C2 fracture. The Age of the patients varied from 28 to 71. There were only two female patients whose mean age was 25.5 while the mean age of 13 male patients was 44.6. Five patients showed odontoid process fracture, three had C2 body fracture and the remainder were traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. The fractures were caused by falls in two patients(13.3%) while in 11 patients(73.3%) they were associated with motor-vehicle accidents. The other two patients were injured by falling objects. No patients suffered a neurological injury associated with the fracture. Three patients are still hospitalized, and follow-up was lost for 2 patients. In 10 patients mean follow-up period was 7 months. External immobilization with halovest was done on all patients. Additionally, anterior interbody fusion was done on 1 patient(Case No. 3). All patients showed the union radiologically, and resumed routine activity. Only 4 of them complained minor limited range of motion of the neck.