Posterior Atlantoaxial Screw Placement in a Portuguese Population: A Morphometric Analysis Based on Computed Tomography Scan Measurements / Colocação de parafusos atlantoaxiais posteriores em uma população portuguesa: Uma análise morfométrica baseada em medidas de tomografia computadorizada

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate the screw length and trajectory angles for posterior atlantoaxial fixation in a Portuguese population, through the study of cervical computed tomography (CT) scans. Methods Cervical CT scans of 50 adults were measured according to predefined screw trajectories of C1-C2 transarticular (C1C2TA), C1 lateral mass (C1LM), C2 pedicle (C2P), C2 pars and C2 laminar (C2L) screws. For each of these trajectories, screw length and angles were measured and compared between males and females. Results For the C1C2TA screw trajectory, the mean length, medial, and cranial angles were 34.12 ± 3.19 mm, 6.24° ± 3.06, and 59.25° ± 5.68, respectively, and for the C1LM screw trajectory, they were 27.12 ± 2.15 mm, 15.82° ± 5.07, and 13.53° ± 4.80, respectively. The mean length, medial, and cranial angles for the C2P screw trajectory were 23.44 ± 2.49 mm, 27.40° ± 4.88, and 30.41° ± 7.27, respectively; and for the C2 pars screw trajectory, they were 16.84 ± 2.08 mm, 20.09° ± 6.83, and 47.53° ± 6,97. The mean length, lateral, and cranial angles for the C2L screw trajectory were 29.10 ± 2.48 mm, 49.80° ± 4.71, and 21.56° ± 7.76, respectively. There were no gender differences except for the lengths of the C1C2TA (p= 0,020) and C2L (p= 0,001) screws, which were greater in males than in females. Conclusion The present study provides anatomical references for the posterior atlantoaxial fixation in a Portuguese population. These detailed data are essential to aid spine surgeons to achieve safe and effective screw placement.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o comprimento e os ângulos de trajetória do parafuso para fixação atlantoaxial posterior em uma população portuguesa por meio do estudo de tomografia computadorizada (TC) cervical. Métodos Tomografias computadorizadas cervicais de 50 adultos foram analisadas quanto às trajetórias pré-definidas dos parafusos transarticulares C1-C2 (C1C2TA), na massa lateral de C1 (C1LM), no pedículo de C2 (C2P) e na pars de C2 e C2 laminar (C2L). O comprimento e os ângulos dos parafusos em cada uma destas trajetórias foram medidos e comparados entre homens e mulheres. Resultados O comprimento médio e ângulos medial e cranial da trajetória do parafuso C1C2TA foram de 34,12 ± 3,19 mm, 6,24° ± 3,06 e 59,25° ± 5,68, respectivamente; as medidas da trajetória do parafuso C1LM foram 27,12 ± 2,15 mm, 15,82° ± 5,07 e 13,53° ± 4,80. O comprimento médio e os ângulos medial e cranial da trajetória do parafuso C2P foram de 23,44 ± 2,49 mm, 27,40° ± 4,88 e 30,41° ± 7,27, respectivamente; as medidas da trajetória do parafuso da pars de C2 foram 16,84 ± 2,08 mm, 20,09° ± 6,83 e 47,53° ± 6,97. O comprimento médio e ângulos lateral e cranial da trajetória do parafuso C2L foram de 29,10 ± 2,48 mm, 49,80° ± 4,71 e 21,56° ± 7,76, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças entre os gêneros, à exceção do comprimento dos parafusos C1C2TA (p= 0,020) e C2L (p= 0,001), que foi maior no sexo masculino do que no feminino. Conclusão O presente estudo fornece referências anatômicas para a fixação atlantoaxial posterior em uma população portuguesa. Estes dados detalhados são essenciais para ajudar os cirurgiões de coluna a colocar os parafusos de maneira segura e eficaz.

Análisis morfométrico del axis para la fijación atlantoaxial / Morphometric analysis of the axis for atlantoaxial fixation

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar de manera integral los parámetros morfométricos de la vértebra axis (C2) en la población mexicana involucrados en la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos con el fin de proveer datos cuantitativos indispensables en su abordaje quirúrgico. Para este estudio se utilizaron un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2) de población mexicana contemporánea. Las mediciones de las vértebras se efectuaron bilateralmente utilizando un vernier digital milimétrico con una precisión de 0.01 mm (Mitutoyo Digimatic w/Absolute Encoders- Series 500). Un total de 576 vértebras axis (C2), fueron medidas de manera bilateral, todas nuestras mediciones se reportaron en mm. El promedio del ancho del pedículo fue de 8,96 mm con una DE ± 2,11 mm. El promedio de la altura del pedículo fue de 10,82 mm con una DE de ± 1,89 mm. El promedio de la altura del proceso odontoideo fue de 16,90 mm con una DE de ± 2,99 mm. El promedio del ancho del proceso odontoideo fue de 9,99 mm con una de DE de ± 0,80 mm. El promedio del diámetro de la faceta articular fue de 8,44 mm con una DE de ± 1,04 mm. El promedio del diámetro AP del cuerpo vertebral fue de 15,11 mm con una DE de ± 1,88 mm. El promedio del diámetro trasverso del cuerpo vertebral fue de 17,93 mm con una DE de ± 2,22 mm. El promedio de la altura del cuerpo vertebral fue de 18,54 mm con una DE de 2,38 mm. El promedio de la altura de las láminas fue de 11,53 mm con una DE de ± 1,39 mm. El promedio del ancho de las láminas fue de 6,10 mm con una DE de ± 1,44 mm. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestras mediciones demuestran una variación con los resultados de otros autores en diferentes estudios de piezas osteológicas y de estudios de imagen del axis (C2), lo que sugiere, con el fin de reducir los riesgo de daño a estructuras neurovasculares, utilizar técnicas y medidas especiales para la estabilización atlantoaxial de la población mexicana.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the axis vértebra (C2) in the Mexican population involved in the performance of surgical procedures in order to provide essential quantitative data in their surgical approach. A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) of contemporary Mexican population were used for this study. The measurements of the vertebrae were made bilaterally using a millimeter digital vernier with an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters (Mitutoyo Digimatic w / Absolute Encoders - Series 500). A total of 576 axis vertebrae (C2) were measured bilaterally, all our measurements were reported in millimeters. The average width of the pedicle was 8.96 mm with a SD ± 2.11 mm. The average height of the pedicle was 10.82 mm with a SD of ± 1.89 mm. The average height of the odontoid process was 16.90 mm with a SD of ± 2.99 mm. The average width of the odontoid process was 9.99 mm with a SD of ± 0.80 mm. The average diameter of the articular facet was 8.44 mm with a SD of ± 1.04 mm. The average diameter of the AP of the vertebral body was 15.11 mm with a SD of ± 1.88 mm. The average transverse diameter of the vertebral body was 17.93 mm with a SD of ± 2.22 mm. The average height of the vertebral body was 18.54 mm with a SD of 2.38 mm. The average height of the lamina was 11.53 mm with a SD of ± 1.39 mm. The average width of the lamina was 6.10 mm with a SD of ± 1.44 mm. The results obtained in our measurements show a variation with the results of other authors in different studies of osteological pieces and studies of the axis image (C2), which suggests the use of techniques and special measures for the atlantoaxial stabilization of the Mexican population in order to reduce the risk of damage to neurovascular structures.

Posterior atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial area and its surgical interest / Interesse cirúrgico da junção atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial

Classic anatomical studies describe two membranes – atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial in the posterior aspect of the craniocervical region. During many surgical procedures in this area, however, we have not found such membranes. Objective To clarify the anatomical aspects and structures taking part of the posterior atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial area. Method Analysis of histological cuts of three human fetuses and anatomical studies of 8 adult human cadavers. Results In both atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial areas, we have observed attachment between suboccipital deep muscles and the spinal cervical dura. However, anatomical description of such attachments could not be found in textbooks of anatomy. Conclusion Our study shows the absence of the classical atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial membranes; the occipito-C1 and C1-C2 posterior intervals are an open area, allowing aponeurotic attachment among cervical dura mater and posterior cervical muscles. .

Em livros clássicos de anatomia é referida a existência de duas membranas, atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial, participando do fechamento da região cranio-cervical. Entretanto, em frequentes procedimentos cirúrgicos que envolvem esta região, jamais detectamos a presença de tais membranas. Objetivo Estudar os aspectos anatômicos e as estruturas que participam do fechamento posterior dos espaços atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial. Método Estudo de cortes histológicos de três fetos humanos e estudos anatômicos em 8 cadáveres humanos adultos. Resultados Em ambos os espaços, atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial, encontramos uma aderência entre as estruturas musculares profundas e a dura-mater, sem as membranas atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial descritas nos livros clássicos de anatomia. Conclusão Não foram encontradas as membranas atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial no material estudado; os espaços atlanto-occipital e atlanto-axial são abertos permitindo expansões aponeuróticas entre os músculos profundos e a dura-mater. .

Experimental study on the atlanto-axial joint and related structures with regional anatomy and medical imaging / Estudio experimental de la articulación atlanto-axial y las estructuras relacionadas con la anatomía regional y la imagen médica

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomy and medical imaging characteristics in a study observing the atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) and related structures. METHODS: Eight cadaveric specimens of the AAJ segment were studied with both anatomical and imaging methods. The vertebral arteries of the AAJ segment (VA-A), the first and second cervical nerves (CN1, CN2) and synovial fold (SF) of the AAJ were observed and measured. RESULT: After extending from the vertebral canal, the CN1 goes between the posterior arch of the atlas and VA-A, and the CN2 passes between the posterior arch of the atlas and axis, and is posterior to VA-A. Among the eight cases, six were found in the SF in the central anterior AAJ and five in lateral. The vertebral arteries of the AAJ segment go along the AAJ with four curves, of which the second and fourth are away from the bone structure of the AAJ. The distance from CN1, CN2 to VA-A and that from the second, fourth curve of VA-A to AAJ is 0.0-2.2 mm, 0.0-3.6 mm and 0.0-4.8 mm, 2.0-7.9 mm respectively. There is no significant difference between the measurements made anatomically and those by the imaging method (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The anatomical method has advantages in observing the CN and SF, while the imaging method shows clearly and directly the VA-A and AAJ. Both are mutually complementary with consistent measurements. The combined use of the two provides a new way to study the complicated anatomy in this region.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las características del método anatómico y el uso de la imagen médica en un estudio de observación de la articulación atlanto-axial (AAA) y estructuras relacionadas. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron ocho especimenes cadavéricos del segmento de la AAA tanto con métodos anatómicos como con métodos de imaginología médica. Las arterias vertebrales del segmento de AAA (AV-A), el primer y el segundo nervios cervicales (NC1, NC2) y los pliegues sinoviales (PS) fueron observados y medidos. RESULTADO: Tras de extenderse desde el canal vertebral, el NC1 se extiende entre el arco posterior del atlas, y el NC2 pasa entre el arco posterior del atlas y el axis, y es posterior a las AV-A. Entre los ocho casos, se encontraron seis en los PS en la AAA anterior central, y cinco en la lateral. Las arterias vertebrales del segmento AAA van junto con la AAA con cuatro curvas, de las cuales la segunda y la cuarta están separadas de la estructura ósea de la AAA. La distancia del NC1 y NC2, a las AV-A, y la de la segunda y cuarta curvas de las AV-A a la AAA es 0.0-2.2 mm, 0.0-3.6 mm y 0.0-4.8 mm, 2.0-7.9 mm respectivamente. No hay ninguna diferencia significativa entre las mediciones realizadas anatómicamente y las hechas mediante métodos de imaginología (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: El método anatómico tiene ventajas al observar el NC y los PS, mientras que el método imaginológico muestra clara y directamente las AV-A y la AAA. Ambos son mutualmente complementarios con las mediciones. El uso combinado de los dos proporciona una nueva manera de estudiar la complicada anatomía de esta región.

The anatomic study on replacement of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint through transoral approach / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to provide anatomical basis for transoral approach (TOA) in dealing with the ventro lesions of craniocervical junction, and the design and application of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint, microsurgical dissecting was performed on 8 fresh craniocervical specimens layer by layer through transoropharyngeal approach. The stratification of posterior pharyngeal wall, course of vertebral artery, adjacent relationship of atlas and axis and correlative anatomical parameters of replacement of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint were observed. Besides, 32 sets of atlanto-axial joint in adults' fresh bony specimens were measured with a digital caliper and a goniometer, including the width of bony window of anterior arch of atlas, the width of bony window of axis vertebra, the distance between superior and inferior two atlas screw inserting points, the distance between two axis screw inserting points etc. It was found that the width of atlas and axis which could be exposed were 40.2+/-3.5 mm and 39.3+/-3.7 mm respectively. The width and height of posterior pharyngeal wall which could be exposed were 40.1+/-5.2 mm and 50.2+/-4.6 mm respectively. The distance between superior and inferior two atlas screw inserting points was 28.0+/-2.9 mm and 24.0+/-3.5 mm respectively, and the distance of bilateral axis screw inserting points was 18.0+/-1.2 mm. The operative exposure position through TOA ranged from inferior part of the clivus to the superior part of the C3 vertebral body. Posterior pharyngeal wall consisted of 5 layers and two interspaces: mucosa, submucosa, superficial muscular layer, anterior fascia of vertebrae, anterior muscular layer of vertebrae and posterior interspace of pharynx, anterior interspace of vertebrae. This study revealed that it had the advantages of short operative distance, good exposure and sufficient decompression in dealing with the ventro lesions from the upper cervical to the lower clivus through the TOA. The replacement of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint is suitable and feasible. The design of artificial atlanto-odontoid joint should be based on the above data.

Techniques in the treatment of craniovertebral instability.

The techniques of craniovertebral region stabilization introduced and used by the senior author over the last 20 years are summarized. The lateral masses of atlas and axis are strong and largely cancellous in nature and can be used for direct implantation of screws. Opening up of the joint and placement of bone graft within the joint stabilizes the region and provides a large area for bone fusion. Distraction of the facets provides an opportunity to treat a range of congenital craniovertebral anomalies. The technique of exposure of the lateral mass of the atlas and axis and the atlantoaxial joint is technically relatively complex and needs precise understanding of anatomy of the vertebral artery and training with cadavers.