Posterior atlantoaxial transpedicle screw fixation for traumatic atlatoaxial instability / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation for traumatic atlantoaxial instability. MethodsFrom September 2009 to March 2013, 17 patients with atlantoaxial instability received posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation. There were 12 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 42 years old (ranged from 19 to 63 years old). Transpedicle screw fixation was employed in 8 patients with atlantoaxial fracture and dislocation, in 2 with traumatic disruption of transverse atlantal ligament, and in 7 with odontoid fracture. The Japanese Orthopaedic Asso ciation (JOA) score before operation was from 5 to 14, with a mean of 11.2. Preoperative CT, MRI and radiographs, as well as intraoperative screw placement and bone graft were administered in all the patients. ResultsIn all the patients, complete reduction was achieved without injury to the vertebral artery, spinal cord or never root, and they started to be ambulatory on the first day after the operation. The patients were followed up for 6-36 months (mean 21 months), and clinical symptoms were seen to be improved significantly. Imaging reexamination 6 months after the surgery showed satisfactory healing of implanted bone and position of all the screws without loosening of the implant. The mean JOA scores was 15.5(11.0-17.0) twelve months after the operation. Conclusion Atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation for traumatic atlantoaxial instability is safe and reliable with a favorable clinical result.