Application of a 3D printed trabecular block cage in treatment of patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the short-term outcomes of a 3D printed trabecular block cage to assist posterior internal fixation for the treatment of patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation.Methods:Between June 2017 and February 2019, 12 patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation underwent atlantoaxial distraction and posterior internal fixation at Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital to Zhengzhou University. They were 5 males and 7 females, aged from 34 to 62 years (average, 45.6 years). 3D printed cages were inserted intraoperatively between the joints of the atlantoaxial lateral mass. The atlanto-dental interval interval (ADI), cervico-medullary angle (CMA) and distance from tip of the odontoid process to Chamberlain's line (DOCL) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale were compared between preoperation and 12 months postoperation to observe the fusion of the joints of the atlantoaxial lateral mass.Results:Operation went on uneventfully in all the 12 patients. Operation time averaged 116.5 min (from 85 to 190 min), fluoroscopy frequency 9.4 times (from 6 to 21 times), and intraoperative bleeding 82.3 mL (from 50 to 210 mL). No such postoperative complications occurred as cerebrospinal leak, cerebral infarction, or breakage, displacement or loosening of implants. All patients were followed up for 18 to 42 months (mean, 26.3 months). Their preoperative JOA, ADI, CMA and DOCL [8.33±0.98, (8.66±1.64) mm, 119.63°±4.15° and (9.66±2.15) mm] were significantly improved to 14.17±1.03, (2.63±0.59) mm, 153.76°±7.88° and (2.07±0.69) mm ( P<0.05) at 12 months postoperation. Bony fusion was achieved in all the operative segments. Conclusion:In the treatment of patients with basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation, a 3D-printed trabecular block cage can be used to assist posterior internal fixation to achieve satisfactory reduction and maintain the height of joint space, leading to satisfactory short-term outcomes.