Percutaneous C2 pedicle lag screw for treatment of Hangman's fractures / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the feasibility and clinical effect of percutaneous C2 pedicle lag screw in treatment of Hangman's fracture and define the indications of the technique. Methods There were 9 patients including 5 males and 4 females at average age of 36 years (26-68 years). According to a Levine and Edwards System, there were 5 patients with type Ⅰ hangman' s fracture, 3 with type Ⅱ hangman' s fracture and 1 with type Ⅱ A hangman' s fracture. According to American spinal injury association (ASIA) system, the spinal cord function was ranked at Type D in 2 patients and Type E in 7. All patients achieved anatomic reduction by skull traction. Under general anesthesia, 9 patients were fixed with percutaneons C2 pedicle lag screw. The whole procedure was done under monitoring of "C"-arm fluoroscopy for safety and accuracy. Results All patients obtained bony fusion within 2-3 months, with no infection, neurological deficits, vertebra artery injury or other complications. CondusionsThe percutaneous C2 pedicle lag screw fixation is minimally invasive and effective for treatment of Hangman's fracture. During the course of treatment, the function of upper cervical spine remains unaffected.