Treatment of odontoid fractures using percutaneous cannulated screwing with the help of a novel aiming device / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a self-designed novel n-shaped aiming device in aiding the percutaneous cannulated screwing for treatment of odontoid fractures of Anderson-D' Alonzo type Ⅱ and shallow type Ⅲ.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 17 patients who had been treated at our department for odontoid fracture of Anderson-D' Alonzo type Ⅱ and shallow type Ⅲ between January 2009 and December 2013.They were 13 males and 4 females,with an average age of 37.5 years (from 16 to 61 years).All received surgical treatment after skull traction or jaw pillow traction preoperatively for reduction.Intraoperatively,percutaneous cannulated screwing via the anterior cervical approach was performed with the help of a self-designed novel n-shaped aiming device to fix the odontoid.Postoperatively,X-ray and CT scan were used to check the screw locations and evaluate the fracture healing.Results The 17 cases were followed up for 6 to 15 months (average,10.5 months).No intraoperative injury to the esophagus,artery,spinal cord or nerve root happened.The operating time ranged from 60 to 125 min.The bleeding was from 10 to 40 mL.Intraoperative observation revealed fine locations of the screws.Bony union was achieved in 16 cases 3 months postoperatively while separation and hardening of the fracture ends was found in one ease.Conclusion Our self-designed novel n-shaped aiming device can facilitate the percutaneous cannulated screwing for treatment of odontoid fractures of Anderson-D'Alonzo type Ⅱ and shallow type Ⅲ,given that it has advantages of simple manipulation,accurate insertion,minimal invasion,quick recovery and reliable efficacy.