Experiencia en patología cervical alta en el Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen 2016 - 2021

Introducción : El complejo C0-C1-C2 es responsable de la transición de la carga axial, con función biomecánica única, siendo afectada por múltiples patologías, que por lo general la literatura no las considera como un solo ítem, sino que lo desarrolla según su etiología, pero en nuestro estudio se ha considerado en 5 grupos: traumática, congénita, inflamatoria reumática, neoplásica y degenerativa. Objetivo : Determinar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y del tratamiento en la patología cervical alta. Materiales y métodos : Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico radiológico de alguna patología cervical alta que hayan sido sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico entre 2016 y 2021 en el Hospital Almenara. Se usó el test "t" de student y de chi cuadrado. Se dividió a los pacientes en alguno de los 5 grupos antes mencionados. Resultados : Se consideraron 31 pacientes, con una edad media de 51.16 años. La patología cervical alta más frecuente fue la traumática con el 35.48%. El déficit motor se presentó en el 51.61% y el déficit sensitivo se presentó en el 54.84%. La cirugía más frecuente fue la fijación cervical alta con el 43.89%. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 16.13% con una mortalidad del 0%. Conclusiones : La patología cervical alta es rara, siendo la del tipo traumática la más frecuente, pero un manejo oportuno y adecuado permite un mejor pronóstico funcional del paciente.

Introduction : The C0-C1-C2 complex is responsible of axial load transition, and its biomechanical function is unique, it is affected by multiple pathological conditions; and generally speaking, the literature does not consider these conditions as a single item, it describes them according to etiology. For our study we considered five groups: trauma-related, congenital, rheumatic-inflammatory, neoplastic, and degenerative. Objective : To determine epidemiological, clinical, and therapy-related characteristics in upper cervical pathological conditions. Materials and methods : All patients with a clinical-radiological diagnosis of any upper cervical pathological condition that had undergone surgery between 2016 and 2021 in Guillermo Almenara Hospital were included. Student's t test and chi square methods were used. patients were divided into one of the five aforementioned groups. Results : Thirty-one patients were included in the study; their mean age was 51.16 years. The most frequent upper cervical pathological condition was trauma-related, with 35.48%. Motor deficit occurred in 51.61% of all patients, and sensitive deficit occurred in 54.84%. The most frequently surgical procedure performed was upper cervical fixation, in 43.89% of all patients. Complication rate was 16.13%, and mortality was 0%. Conclusions : Upper cervical pathological conditions are rare, trauma-related conditions are most frequent, but timely and adequate management allow us to achieve better functional prognosis for these patients.

Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs

Purpose: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. Methods: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate­PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. Results: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. Conclusions: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Análise biomecânica das fixações atlantoaxiais: estudo experimental / Análise biomecânica das fixações atlantoaxiais: estudo experimental

Introdução: o tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com fraturas do processo odontoide tem sido controverso. As principais técnicas cirúrgicas para o segmento C1-C2 incluem além da artrodese cervical (aramagem tipo Gallie, parafusos transarticulares e aramagem tipo 88), a fixação direta com parafuso no processo odontoide. Objetivo: comparar a estabilidade mecânica destes quatro tipos de osteossínteses do segmento atlantoaxial (C1-C2). Metodologia: vinte segmentos atlantoaxiais de cadáveres humanos adultos foram preparados com fraturas do tipo 2 de Anderson e D'Alonso e divididos em quatro grupos: aramagem tipo Gallie (aG); parafusos transarticulares (pT); parafuso no processo odontoide (pD); aramagem tipo 88 (a88). Os corpos de prova foram submetidos a esforços de flexocompressão em máquina universal de ensaios mecânicos para análise de resistência, elasticidade e deformações. Resultados:na fase de acomodação, os parafusos no processo odontoide apresentaram pouquíssima mobilidade com cargas baixas. Na fase de elasticidade, não houve diferença significativa entre as construções testadas. Com relação à resistência máxima suportada pelas construções, houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa a favor da aramagem tipo Gallie. Conclusão: nossos testes mostraram que em relação à acomodação houve diferença significativa entre a aramagem tipo Gallie e o parafuso no processo odontoide; e quanto à resistência máxima, entre a aramagem tipo Gallie e o parafuso transarticular.

Introduction: the surgical treatment of patients with fractures of the odontoid process has been controversial. The main surgical techniques for C1-C2 are: Gallie wiring, transarticular screw, direct odontoid process screw and 88 posterior laminar wiring. Objective: to compare the mechanical stability of these four types of atlantoaxial segment osteosynthesis (C1/C2). Methodology: twenty atlantoaxial segments of adult human cadavers were prepared with Anderson and D'Alonso type II fractures and divided into four groups: Gallie wiring; transarticular screw; odontoid process screw; 88 wiring. After being fixed with each osteosynthesis technique, they were submitted to flexocompression efforts in a universal mechanical testing machine for analysis of strength, elasticity and deformations. Results: in the accommodation phase, the odontoid process screws showed very little mobility with low loads. In the elasticity phase, there was no significant difference between the constructions tested. With regard to the maximum resistance supported by the constructions, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of Gallie wiring. Conclusion: Our tests showed a significant difference between Gallie wiring and odontoid process screw in accommodation; and between the Gallie wiring and the transarticular screw in maximum resistance test

Periodontoid pseudotumoral lesions.

BACKGROUND: Periodontoid pseudotumoral lesions (PPL) are an uncommon cause of cervical pain and myelopathy. In addition, they may be associated with atlantoaxial instability (AAI). CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients over 60 years of age presented with neck pain alone. Their MR scans showed expansive lesions involving the odontoid process. One patient with AAI required an occipitocervical arthrodesis, while the other patient without instability was managed with an external orthosis (Philadelphia collar). Both of them experienced full resolution of pain and remained neurologically intact an average 36 months later (range 24-48). CONCLUSION: Here, we discussed the clinical, MR, and non-surgical (without AAI) versus surgical management (with AAI) for different types of PPL.

Increase of the clivus-canal angle in patients with basilar invagination, without atlantoaxial displacement, treated with a simple maneuver of indirect decompression of the odontoid with the head clamp, during posterior occipitocervical arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Basilar invagination (BI) can be defined as the insinuation of the content of the craniovertebral junction through the foramen magnum toward the posterior fossa. BI is a prevalent condition in Northeast Brazil. The present study describes the changes in the clivus-canal angle (CCA) in the postoperative period in patients with symptomatic BI operated by a posterior approach, using a simple technique of indirect reduction of the odontoid associated with occipitocervical fixation. METHODS: Patients underwent radiological evaluations by magnetic resonance imaging in the pre and postoperative periods, where the height of the odontoid tip was measured in relation to the Chamberlain line and the ACC. All patients underwent posterior occipitocervical fixation with specific maneuvers of distraction and extension of the cephalic segment with the aid of a head clamp with three fixation points for anterior reduction of the odontoid. RESULTS: Among the 8 patients evaluated in the series, all had increased ACC in the postoperative period, with a mean of 14.81 ± 1.54°, and statistically significant difference between the pre and postoperative periods (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The indirect surgical reduction of the odontoid process by a posterior approach through the manipulation (distraction-extension) of a "Mayfield" type of head clamp followed by occipitocervical fixation proved to be effective in improving the ACC, being easily reproducible.

Craniometric parameters for the evaluation of platybasia and basilar invagination on magnetic resonance imaging: a reproducibility study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to perform a reproducibility study of the clivus-canal angle (CCA), Welcker's basal angle (WBA), and the distance from the odontoid process to Chamberlain's line (DOCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two medical students and two radiologists respectively evaluated 100 and 50 consecutive MRI scans of adult skulls, selected randomly. Each examiner, working independently and blinded to the previous results, performed readings for each patient on two different occasions. Measurements were performed in T1-weighted sequences acquired in the midsagittal plane. The levels of intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver agreement were evaluated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean values obtained by the examiners were 150º for the CCA, 130º for the WBA, and 2.5 mm for the DOCL. The ICC for interobserver agreement was 0.980, 0.935, and 0.967, for the CCA, WBA, and DOCL, respectively, for the students, compared with 0.977, 0.941, and 0.982, respectively, for the radiologists, and 0.980, 0.992, and 0.990, respectively, for all of the examiners together. In the analysis of intraobserver agreement, the ICC ranged from 0.929 to 0.959 for the CCA, from 0.918 to 0.964 for the WBA, and from 0.918 to 0.981 for the DOCL. CONCLUSION: The measurement of the CCA, WBA, and DOCL appears to show excellent intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver agreement on MRI.

OBJETIVO: Realizar um estudo de reprodutibilidade do ângulo clivocanal (ACC), ângulo basal de Welcker (ABW) e distância do odontoide à linha de Chamberlain (DOLC) em ressonância magnética (RM). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Quatro examinadores, dois graduandos de medicina e dois radiologistas, avaliaram, respectivamente, 100 e 50 indivíduos adultos submetidos a RM de crânio, consecutiva e aleatoriamente. Cada um realizou duas leituras para cada paciente em diferentes ocasiões, de forma cega e independente. As análises de concordância intraobservador e interobservador foram realizadas pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: As medidas médias, considerando todos os examinadores, foram: ACC = 150º, ABW = 130º, DOLC = 2,5 mm. A análise interobservador entre os estudantes revelou CCI de 0,980, 0,935 e 0,967 para ACC, ABW e DOLC, respectivamente, e para os radiologistas, CCI de 0,977, 0,941 e 0,982, respectivamente. A análise interobservador entre estudantes e radiologistas revelou CCI de 0,980, 0,992 e 0,990, respectivamente. Em relação à análise intraobservador, as medidas do ACC tiveram CCI variando entre 0,929 e 0,959, ABW entre 0,918 e 0,964 e DOLC entre 0,918 e 0,981. CONCLUSÃO: ACC, ABW e DOLC obtiveram excelentes reprodutibilidades intraobservador e interobservador na RM.

Craniometric parameters for the evaluation of platybasia and basilar invagination on magnetic resonance imaging: a reproducibility study / Parâmetros craniométricos para platibasia e invaginação basilar na ressonância magnética: estudo de reprodutibilidade

Abstract Objective: The present study aims to perform a reproducibility study of the clivus-canal angle (CCA), Welcker's basal angle (WBA), and the distance from the odontoid process to Chamberlain's line (DOCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: Two medical students and two radiologists respectively evaluated 100 and 50 consecutive MRI scans of adult skulls, selected randomly. Each examiner, working independently and blinded to the previous results, performed readings for each patient on two different occasions. Measurements were performed in T1-weighted sequences acquired in the midsagittal plane. The levels of intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver agreement were evaluated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean values obtained by the examiners were 150° for the CCA, 130° for the WBA, and 2.5 mm for the DOCL. The ICC for interobserver agreement was 0.980, 0.935, and 0.967, for the CCA, WBA, and DOCL, respectively, for the students, compared with 0.977, 0.941, and 0.982, respectively, for the radiologists, and 0.980, 0.992, and 0.990, respectively, for all of the examiners together. In the analysis of intraobserver agreement, the ICC ranged from 0.929 to 0.959 for the CCA, from 0.918 to 0.964 for the WBA, and from 0.918 to 0.981 for the DOCL. Conclusion: The measurement of the CCA, WBA, and DOCL appears to show excellent intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver agreement on MRI.

Resumo Objetivo: Realizar um estudo de reprodutibilidade do ângulo clivocanal (ACC), ângulo basal de Welcker (ABW) e distância do odontoide à linha de Chamberlain (DOLC) em ressonância magnética (RM). Materiais e Métodos: Quatro examinadores, dois graduandos de medicina e dois radiologistas, avaliaram, respectivamente, 100 e 50 indivíduos adultos submetidos a RM de crânio, consecutiva e aleatoriamente. Cada um realizou duas leituras para cada paciente em diferentes ocasiões, de forma cega e independente. As análises de concordância intraobservador e interobservador foram realizadas pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: As medidas médias, considerando todos os examinadores, foram: ACC = 150°, ABW = 130°, DOLC = 2,5 mm. A análise interobservador entre os estudantes revelou CCI de 0,980, 0,935 e 0,967 para ACC, ABW e DOLC, respectivamente, e para os radiologistas, CCI de 0,977, 0,941 e 0,982, respectivamente. A análise interobservador entre estudantes e radiologistas revelou CCI de 0,980, 0,992 e 0,990, respectivamente. Em relação à análise intraobservador, as medidas do ACC tiveram CCI variando entre 0,929 e 0,959, ABW entre 0,918 e 0,964 e DOLC entre 0,918 e 0,981. Conclusão: ACC, ABW e DOLC obtiveram excelentes reprodutibilidades intraobservador e interobservador na RM.

Síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada, una manifestación inusual de dolor cervical. Presentación de un caso / Crowned Dens Syndrome, an Unusual Manifestation of Cervical Pain. A Case Report

Resumen Las enfermedades por depósito de cristales de pirofostato dehidratado de calcio o hidroxiapatita se pueden manifestar en cualquier articulación, y cuando se acumulan en la columna cervical pueden ser causa de dolor. El síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada es una rara condición clínica que se presenta por calcificación, en forma de corona, de los ligamentos que rodean a la apófisis odontoides. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 70 años, con una semana de cervicalgia, cefalea y fiebre, que ingresó por sospecha de patología neurológica. Se realizó tomografía computarizada (TC) de cráneo que documentó calificaciones lentiformes del ligamento transverso del atlas. Se instauró manejo con corticoides y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos con mejoría. Una adecuada anamnesis junto con estudio por imagen evita procedimientos innecesarios y permite incluir esta entidad en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor cervical agudo.

Abstract The calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) or hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposition disease can appear in any joint and the accumulation fo crystals in the cervical spine may be painful. Crowned dens syndrome is a rare clinical condition that involves crown-like calcification of the ligaments around the odontoid process. A 70-year-old man presented cervical pain, fever and a headache for over a week, therefore, a neurological condition was suspected. A CT scan revealed lentiform calcifications of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Steroid treatment and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory diminished the symptoms. A proper clinical history and imaging studies avoid unnecessary procedures and makes it possible to include this entity as a differential diagnosis in acute cervical pain.

Retro-odontoid pseudotumor: a poorly recognized alteration of the craniocervical junction

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) is a rare disease that affects the atlantoaxial joint and, in general, is associated with local biomechanical alterations that may or may not cause instability. METHODS Descriptive study of the literature available in databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus. The research was conducted in April 2019. DISCUSSION ROP is, possibly, a syndromic designation that encompasses a significant variety of diseases of the atlantoaxial joint. There are different pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in its genesis. The patients, almost in their entirety, present with severe myelopathy, and most of them are treated surgically, with the posterior decompression being the most commonly used method, with or without arthrodesis. Evolution is usually favorable. CONCLUSION The ROP is still poorly recognized as a differential diagnosis between the diseases of the cranial-cervical junction. The information available in the literature analyzed was based mainly on the study of reports or case series; therefore, it is insufficient to define conducts with a high level of scientific evidence.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO O pseudotumor retro-odontoide (PRO) é uma patologia rara que acomete a articulação atlantoaxial e, em geral, está associada a alterações biomecânicas locais que podem ou não causar instabilidade. METODOLOGIA Estudo descritivo da literatura disponível nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, Lilacs e Scopus. A pesquisa foi realizada em abril de 2019. DISCUSSÃO O PRO é, possivelmente, uma designação sindrômica que abrange uma variedade significativa de doenças da articulação atlantoaxial. Existem diferentes mecanismos fisiopatológicos implicados em sua gênese. Os pacientes, quase em sua totalidade, apresentam quadro de mielopatia grave e a maioria deles é tratada cirurgicamente, sendo a descompressão posterior o método mais utilizado, com ou sem artrodese. A evolução costuma ser favorável. CONCLUSÃO O PRO ainda é pouco reconhecido como diagnóstico diferencial entre as doenças da junção crânio-cervical. As informações disponíveis na literatura analisada foram baseadas principalmente no estudo de relatos ou séries de casos, sendo, portanto, insuficientes para definir condutas com alto nível de evidência científica.

Síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada, una manifestación inusual de dolor cervical: presentación de un caso / Crowned Dens Syndrome, An Unusual Manifestation of Cervical Pain: A Case Report

Las enfermedades por depósito de cristales de pirofosfato dihidratado de calcio o hidroxiapatita se pueden manifestar en cualquier articulación y cuando se acumulan en la columna cervical pueden causar dolor. El síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada es una rara condición clínica que consiste en la calcificación en forma de corona de los ligamentos que rodean a la apófisis odontoides. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 70 años de edad con una semana de cervicalgia, cefalea y fiebre, que ingresa por sospecha de patología neurológica. Se realiza TC de cráneo que documenta calcificaciones lentiformes del ligamento transverso del atlas. Se instaura manejo con corticosteroides y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, con mejoría. Una adecuada anamnesis, junto con estudio por imagen, evita procedimientos innecesarios y permite incluir esta entidad en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor cervical agudo.

The calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) or hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposition disease can manifest in any joint and when it comprises the cervical spine can lead to pain. Crowned dens syndrome is a rare clinical condition that is featured by crown-like calcification of ligaments around the odontoid process. We describe the case of a 70-year-old man with cervical pain, headache and fever for over a week in whom a neurological condition was suspected. A CT scan revealed lentiform calcifications of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Treatment with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory improve the symptoms. A proper clinical history and imaging studies avoid unnecessary procedures and can let this entity to be included as a differential diagnosis in acute cervical pain.

Reduction and internal fixation of complex fractures of the odontoid by the transoral approach / Redução e osteossíntese de fratura complexa do odontoide por via transoral / Reducción y fijación interna de fracturas complejas de la odontoides por la vía transoral

ABSTRACT Type II odontoid fractures with irreducible posterior displacement are uncommon, and can cause spinal cord compression, respiratory failure and even death. Treatment is usually surgical, with transoral decompression and posterior fusion or with reduction and fusion of C1-C2 by the transoral approach. We describe a case of type II odontoid fracture with irreducible posterior atlantoaxial dislocation that was treated exclusively by the transoral approach with osteosynthesis of the odontoid, thus preserving functional segmental mobility. Level of Evidence III; therapeutic study.

RESUMO As fraturas do odontoide tipo II com deslocamento posterior irredutível não são comuns e podem causar compressão medular, insuficiência respiratória e até óbito. O tratamento habitualmente é cirúrgico, com descompressão transoral e fusão posterior, ou com a redução e fusão C1-C2 pela via transoral. Descrevemos um caso de fratura do odontoide tipo II, com deslocamento atlantoaxial posterior irredutível, que foi tratado exclusivamente por via transoral, com a osteossíntese do odontoide, preservando, assim, a mobilidade funcional segmentar. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo terapêutico

RESUMEN Las fracturas tipo II de la odontoides con desplazamiento posterior irreductible son poco comunes y pueden causar compresión de la médula espinal, insuficiencia respiratoria e incluso la muerte. El tratamiento suele ser quirúrgico con descompresión transoral y fusión posterior o con reducción y fusión de C1-C2 por vía transoral. Se describe un caso de fractura tipo II de la odontoides con luxación atlantoaxial posterior irreductible que fue tratada exclusivamente por vía transoral con osteosíntesis de la odontoides, preservando así la movilidad segmentaria funcional. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio terapéutico.

Una causa infrecuente de dolor de cuello. Síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada / An infrequent cause of neck pain. Crowned dens síndrome

Resumen En la práctica clínica habitual existe un crecimiento en la demanda asistencial de servicios de urgencias. El dolor cervical es una patología muy frecuente que compete a diversos profesionales sanitarios. El síndrome de apófisis odontoides coronada, es una patología muy poco frecuente, que hace parte del espectro de las enfermedades por microcristales de pirofosfato cálcico, ocasionando una calcificación de ligamentos del proceso de odontoides cervical, llevando a una clínica de cervicalgia, fiebre y rigidez de nuca. Esta patología entra en el diagnóstico diferencial con patologías potencialmente graves. En muchas ocasiones lleva a procedimientos y gastos farmacológicos innecesarios, principalmente por el desconocimiento que la transforma en una patología infradiag-nosticada. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 230-232).

Abstract In the usual clinical practice there is a growth in the demand for emergency services. Cervical pain is a very common pathology that concerns various health professionals. The crowned den syndrome is a very rare pathology, which is part of the spectrum of microcrystalline diseases of calcium pyrophosphate, causing a calcification of ligaments of the cervical odontoid process, leading to clinical signs of neck pain, fever and neck stiffness. This pathology enters into the differential diagnosis with potentially serious pathologies. In many cases it leads to unnecessary pharmacological procedures and expenses, mainly due to the ignorance that turns it into an infra diagnosed pathology. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 230-232).

Anterior fixation of odontoid fractures: results / Fixação anterior de fraturas do processo odontoide: resultados

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment in patients diagnosed with odontoid fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screws. Methods: This was a retrospective study with nine patients. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and neurological status (Frankel scale) were assessed. The neck disability index (NDI) and the post-operative cervical range of motion were calculated. The cervical spine was radiologically evaluated (X-ray and CT) pre- and postoperatively. Results: The mean age of patients was 70 years. All patients presented type IIb (Grauer classification) fractures, with a mean deviation of 2.95 mm. Two patients had subaxial lesions. The mean follow-up was 30 months. The mean time from trauma to surgery was seven days. The pre-operative Frankel score was E in all except one patient (B), in whom a post-operative improvement from B to D was observed. Post-operative pain was 2/10 (VAS). A total of 77% of patients presented a mild or moderate disability (NDI). Six patients regained full range of cervical movement, and bone union required approximately 14 weeks. Pseudarthrosis complications were observed in two patients (77% union rate), one patient presented screw repositioning and one case, dysphonia. Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis is still an issue in the treatment of odontoid fractures, especially in elderly patients. Concomitant lesions, especially in younger patients, are not uncommon. The literature presents high fusion rates with ORIF (≥80%), which was also observed in the present study. However, surgical success depends on proper patient selection and strict knowledge of the technique. This pathology presents a reserved functional prognosis in the medium-term, especially in the elderly.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos do tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura do processo odontoide submetidos a redução aberta e fixação interna (RAFI) com parafusos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com nove pacientes. Avaliada a dor (escala visual analógica [EVA]) e o estado neurológico (escala de Frankel). O Neck Disability Index (NDI) e a amplitude de movimento cervical pós-operatória foram calculados. A coluna cervical foi avaliada radiologicamente (raios X e TC) nos períodos pré- e pós-operatório. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 70 anos. Todos apresentaram fraturas do tipo IIb (classificação de Grauer), com desvio médio de 2,95 mm. Dois apresentaram lesões subaxiais. O seguimento médio foi de 30 meses. O tempo médio entre trauma e cirurgia foi de sete dias. O escore pré-operatório de Frankel foi E em todos, exceto em um paciente (B), no qual se observou uma melhoria pós-operatória de B para D. A dor pós-operatória foi 2/10 (EVA). Apresentaram incapacidade leve ou moderada (NDI) 77% pacientes. Seis pacientes recuperaram toda a amplitude de movimento cervical; a consolidação óssea levou aproximadamente 14 semanas. Foram observadas complicações de pseudartrose em dois pacientes (taxa de consolidação: 77%), um paciente necessitou reposicionamento do parafuso e um paciente, disfonia. Conclusão: O diagnóstico tardio ainda é um problema no tratamento de fraturas do odontoide, especialmente em pacientes idosos. As lesões concomitantes, especialmente em pacientes mais jovens, não são incomuns. A literatura apresenta altas taxas de consolidação com RAFI (≥ 80%), o que também foi observado no presente estudo. No entanto, o sucesso cirúrgico depende da seleção adequada do paciente e do conhecimento rigoroso da técnica. Essa patologia apresenta um prognóstico funcional reservado em médio prazo, especialmente em idosos.

Anterior fixation of odontoid fractures: results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment in patients diagnosed with odontoid fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screws. METHODS: This was a retrospective study with nine patients. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and neurological status (Frankel scale) were assessed. The neck disability index (NDI) and the post-operative cervical range of motion were calculated. The cervical spine was radiologically evaluated (X-ray and CT) pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 70 years. All patients presented type IIb (Grauer classification) fractures, with a mean deviation of 2.95 mm. Two patients had subaxial lesions. The mean follow-up was 30 months. The mean time from trauma to surgery was seven days. The pre-operative Frankel score was E in all except one patient (B), in whom a post-operative improvement from B to D was observed. Post-operative pain was 2/10 (VAS). A total of 77% of patients presented a mild or moderate disability (NDI). Six patients regained full range of cervical movement, and bone union required approximately 14 weeks. Pseudarthrosis complications were observed in two patients (77% union rate), one patient presented screw repositioning and one case, dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis is still an issue in the treatment of odontoid fractures, especially in elderly patients. Concomitant lesions, especially in younger patients, are not uncommon. The literature presents high fusion rates with ORIF (≥80%), which was also observed in the present study. However, surgical success depends on proper patient selection and strict knowledge of the technique. This pathology presents a reserved functional prognosis in the medium-term, especially in the elderly.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos do tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura do processo odontoide submetidos a redução aberta e fixação interna (RAFI) com parafusos. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com nove pacientes. Avaliada a dor (escala visual analógica [EVA]) e o estado neurológico (escala de Frankel). O Neck Disability Index (NDI) e a amplitude de movimento cervical pós-operatória foram calculados. A coluna cervical foi avaliada radiologicamente (Raios X e TC) nos períodos pré- e pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 70 anos. Todos os pacientes apresentaram fraturas do tipo IIb (classificação de Grauer), com desvio médio de 2,95 mm. Dois pacientes apresentaram lesões subaxiais. O seguimento médio foi de 30 meses. O tempo médio entre trauma e cirurgia foi de sete dias. O escore pré-operatório de Frankel foi E em todos, exceto em um paciente (B), no qual se observou uma melhora pós-operatória de B para D. A dor pós-operatória foi 2/10 (EVA). Um total de 77% dos pacientes apresentou incapacidade leve ou moderada (NDI). Seis pacientes recuperaram toda a amplitude de movimento cervical; a consolidação óssea levou aproximadamente 14 semanas. Foram observadas complicações de pseudartrose em dois pacientes (taxa de consolidação: 77%), um paciente necessitou reposicionamento do parafuso e um paciente, disfonia. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico tardio ainda é um problema no tratamento de fraturas do odontoide, especialmente em pacientes idosos. As lesões concomitantes, especialmente em pacientes mais jovens, não são incomuns. A literatura apresenta altas taxas de consolidação com RAFI (≥ 80%), o que também foi observado no presente estudo. No entanto, o sucesso cirúrgico depende da seleção adequada do paciente e do conhecimento rigoroso da técnica. Esta patologia apresenta um prognóstico funcional reservado no médio prazo, especialmente em idosos.

Feasibility of anterior screw fixation in children: a tomographic study.

PURPOSE: Morphology measures of the odontoid process in children under 12 years old were carried out to demonstrate the viability of anterior internal fixation in this population once their active profile may not be compatible with successful conservative treatment. METHODS: During a 6-month period, 36 tomographic examinations of the cervical spine region that provided visualization of the odontoid process were selected. Group 1 included children between 6 and 9 years of age, and group 2 contained children from 9 to 12 years of age. There were 23 (63.8%) male patients and 13 (36.2%) female patients. Patients diagnosed with a tumor, an infection, fracture non-union, or congenital malformation were excluded. Exams were ordered as part of a protocol applied to non-specific neck pain and pediatric trauma entries. The following parameters were analyzed: (1) screw attack angle, (2) height of the odontoid process, and (3) minimal transverse diameter of the odontoid process. RESULTS: In Groups 1 and 2, the average values of the screw attack angle were 55.9° ± 2.3° and 54.8° ± 4.5°, respectively; the average heights of the odontoid process were 26.58 ± 3.28 and 29.48 ± 3 mm, respectively, and the average minimal transverse diameter of the odontoid process were 6.57 ± 1.08 and 6.23 ± 0.88 mm, respectively. The minimal transverse diameter of the odontoid process was statistically higher in males than that in females, regardless of age (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In both groups, the minimal transverse diameter of the odontoid process allowed for the use of one 3.5-4.5 mm screw for anterior internal fixation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Anatomy of the Alar Ligament: Part II: Variations of Its Attachment onto the Dens.

OBJECTIVE: Various authors have described the morphology of the alar ligaments; however, there are no reports of a cadaveric study focusing on their attachments onto the dens. The purpose of this study was to use fresh cadaveric specimens to describe in detail different attachment patterns of the alar ligaments onto the dens. METHODS: This study used 22 sides from 11 fresh frozen cadaveric heads. Specimens were obtained from 8 men and 3 women who were 67-99 years old at death. Dissection of the exact attachment of the alar ligaments onto the dens was observed from posterior, superior, and anterior views under the surgical microscope. RESULTS: From a posterior view, 6 alar ligaments passed over the tip of the dens, and 16 alar ligaments attached onto the posterolateral part of the dens; the right and left ligaments had no continuity. From a superior view, the alar ligament was classified in 2 ways: depending on the covered area of the dens (entirely or posterior two thirds) and continuity of the alar ligament (transversely, separately, or combination). Fourteen alar ligaments covered the posterior two thirds of the dens. From an anterior view, in 1 specimen, the alar ligament extended to the anterior surface of the dens. CONCLUSIONS: Wide posterolateral anchoring to the dens coupled with the nearly horizontal trajectory explains the biomechanical advantage of the alar ligaments in undertaking a stabilizing function in limiting head rotation that would otherwise be ineffective in the case of weaker attachments or a more vertical orientation.

Odontoid process hypoplasia and bipartite atlas associated with atlanto-axial instability / Hipoplasia do processo odontóide e atlas bipartido associado a instabilidade atlanto-axial / Hipoplasia de la apófisis odontoide y atlas bipartito asociado con inestabilidad atlantoaxial

ABSTRACT Surgical treatment of craniocervical junction pathology has evolved considerably in recent years with the implementation of short fixation techniques rather than long occipito-cervical fixation (sub-axial). It is often difficult and sometimes misleading to determine the particular bone and vascular features (high riding vertebral artery, for instance) using only the conventional images in three orthogonal planes (axial, sagittal and coronal). The authors describe a rare clinical case of congenital malformation of the craniovertebral junction consisting of hypoplasia/agenesis of the odontoid process and bipartite atlas associated with atlantoaxial instability which was diagnosed late in life in a patient with a previous history of rheumatologic disease. The authors refer to the diagnostic process, including new imaging techniques, and three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction. The authors also discuss the surgical technique and possible alternatives.

RESUMO O tratamento cirúrgico da patologia da charneira crânio-cervical tem evoluído consideravelmente nos últimos anos com a implementação de técnicas de fixação curta em detrimento de longas fixações occipito-cervicais (sub-axiais). Frequentemente é difícil e por vezes enganador determinar as variações ósseas e vasculares (artéria vertebral high-riding p.e.) apenas pelas imagens convencionais em três planos ortogonais (axial, sagital e coronal). Os autores descrevem um caso clínico raro de malformação congénita da charneira crânio-cervical constituída por hipoplasia/agenésia da odontoide e atlas bipartido, associado a instabilidade atlanto-axial e diagnosticado tardiamente em doente com antecedentes reumáticos prévios. Descreve-se o processo diagnóstico, incluindo novas técnicas de imagiologia e de reconstrução multiplanar tridimensional. Discute-se a técnica cirúrgica utilizada e possíveis alternativas.

RESUMEN El tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología de la región craneocervical ha evolucionado considerablemente en los últimos años con la aplicación de técnicas de fijación cortas en lugar de fijación occipito-cervical larga (sub-axial). A menudo es difícil y hasta engañoso determinar las características óseos y vasculares (arteria vertebral high-riding, por ejemplo) usando sólo imágenes convencionales en tres planos ortogonales (axial, sagital y coronal). Los autores describen un caso clínico poco frecuente de malformación congénita de la unión craneocervical que consiste en la hipoplasia/agenesia de la apófisis odontoides y atlas bipartito, asociado con la inestabilidad atlantoaxial, diagnosticado tardiamente en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas previas. Los autores relatan el proceso de diagnóstico, incluyendo nuevas técnicas de imagen y la reconstrucción multiplanar tridimensional. Los autores también discuten la técnica quirúrgica y las posibles alternativas.

Fractura combinada del atlas y del axis con morfología poco frecuente / Combined fracture of atlas and axis with infrequent

Fundamento: las lesiones combinadas del atlas y el axis son los traumatismos más frecuentes de la columna cervical en el adulto mayor, con una incidencia que se acerca al 70 %. Su diagnóstico demanda de estudios imaginológicos de avanzada y las opciones de tratamiento van del conservador a complejas intervenciones para restablecer la estabilidad de la región occipitocervical. Objetivo: presentar una lesión combinada de la primera y segunda vértebra cervical con una forma poco frecuente de fractura de odontoides. Caso clínico: paciente de 79 años de edad, que después de la caída de un caballo, sufre trauma craneal variedad posterior, seguido de cervicobraquialgia bilateral con parestesias. El examen físico no demostró signos de compresión radicular ni cordonal. Las imágenes de tomografía axial computarizada con reconstrucciones tridimensionales evidenciaron una fractura bilateral y simétrica del arco posterior del atlas, asociado a una fractura longitudinal y oblicua del odontoides próxima a su istmo. No se observó luxación, por lo que se conservó la estabilidad del raquis cervical superior. Se trató de manera conservadora con una órtesis externa y tuvo una evolución favorable. Conclusiones: para el diagnóstico de las lesiones traumáticas atlantoaxiales es imprescindible el uso de la tomografía axial computarizada, asociada o no con la resonancia magnética nuclear. La estabilidad de esta región en correspondencia con el estado neurológico del paciente, son los factores más importantes para decidir la mejor opción de tratamiento.

Background: combined lesions of atlas and axis are the most common cervical spine traumas in elderly people, with an incidence of about 70 %. The diagnosis demands the use of advance radiologic procedures and the treatment options runs through conservative to complex surgical interventions to restore the stability of the occipito-cervical region. Objective: to present a combined lesion of the first and second cervical vertebra as a less frequent shape of odontoid fracture. Clinical case: a 79-year-old patient who suffered a posterior cranial trauma followed by bilateral cervicobrachialgia and paresthesias after a horse fall. At physical exploration no signs of radicular or cordonal compression were demonstrated. Computarized axial tomography with tridimentional reconstructions showed a bilateral and symmetrical fracture of the posterior arch of the atlas, associated with longitudinal and oblique fracture of odontoid next to the isthmus. No dislocation was observed that is why the upper cervical spine stability was preserved. Conservative treatment was achieved by an external orthesis with a favourable evolution. Conclusions: for atlantoaxial traumatic lesions diagnosis, the use of computerized axial tomography is important associated or not with nuclear magnetic resonance. The stability of this region in correspondence with neurological status are the most important factors to select the best treatment choice.

Bergmann's ossicle (ossiculum terminale persistens): a brief review and differentiation from other findings of the odontoid process.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to review the literature on Bergmann's ossicle and provide an overview on its development, etiology, and clinical presentation while also differentiating it from similar structural anomalies. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature available on Bergmann's ossicle was performed. RESULTS: Bergmann's ossicle, also referred to as ossiculum terminale persistens, was defined as a developmental anomaly of the odontoid process in which an ossification center that gives rise to the tip of the dens fails to fuse properly with the body of the axis. CONCLUSION: Bergmann's ossicle is most often a benign condition, although it rarely may present with clinical symptoms such as neck pain and neurological signs. It may be associated with Down's syndrome and contribute to atlantoaxial instability.

One or two screws in the fracture of the odontoid process? Evaluation using computed tomography / Um ou dois parafusos na fratura do processo odontoide? Avaliação pela tomografia computadorizada / Uno o dos tornillos en la fractura del proceso odontoides? Evaluación por tomografia axial computadorizada

Objective: To evaluate the bone area of the odontoid process through computed tomography and its relation with the area of one and two screws in the male and female subjects. Methods: 188 CT scans of adults were analyzed. The isthmus area was selected and the transverse diameter was measured at 1.2 mm from the base of odontoid. Results: After placement of a screw, the odontoid area remains with 82% of free bone for both men and women. With two screws, 45.6% of women, had a free bone area of the odontoid process between 50% and 75% and 54.4% were above 75%. 26.6% men had percentage from 50% to 75% of free bone area and 73.4% above 75% (p=0.07). After the placement of two screws, the bone area was, in average, 77.3% in men and 75.4% in women. Using the Student t-test, the differences between the average of percentage of free bone area in men and women are significantly lower in women (p=0.0012). Conclusion: The pre-operative planning through CT can help to choose the number of screws in the odontoid process. The choice should be particularly careful when using two screws in women.

Objetivo: Avaliar a área óssea do processo odontoide, por meio de tomografia computadorizada e sua relação com a área de um e dois parafusos em indivíduos do sexo masculino e feminino. Métodos: Foram analisadas 188 tomografias computadorizadas de adultos. A área do istmo foi selecionada e o diâmetro transverso foi medido a 1,2 mm da base do odontoide. Resultados: Após a colocação de um parafuso, a área do odontoide permanece com 82% de osso livre, tanto para homens quanto para mulheres. Com dois parafusos, 45,6% das mulheres, passaram a ter área óssea livre do processo odontoide entre 50% e 75%, e 54,4% ficaram acima de 75%. Entre os homens este percentual foi de 26,6% entre 50% a 75% de área óssea livre e 73,4% acima de 75% (valor de p = 0,07). Após a colocação de dois parafusos, a área óssea foi, em média, 77,3% nos homens e 75,4% nas mulheres. Utilizando o teste t de Student, as diferenças entre as médias de homens e mulheres dos percentuais da área óssea livre são significativamente menores nas mulheres (valor de p = 0,0012). Conclusão: O planejamento no pré-operatório, por meio de TC, pode ajudar na escolha do número de parafusos no processo odontoide. A escolha deve ser criteriosa, especialmente quando for necessária a utilização de dois parafusos no gênero feminino.

Objetivo: Evaluar el área ósea del proceso odontoides por medio de la tomografía axial computarizada, y su relación con el área de uno y dos tornillos en individuos del sexo masculino y femenino. Métodos: Fueron analizadas 188 tomografías axiales computarizadas de adultos. Se seleccionó el área del istmo y el diámetro transversal fue medido en 1,2 mm de la base del odontoides. Resultados: Después de la colocación de un tornillo, el área de la odontoides queda con 82% de hueso libre, tanto en hombres como en mujeres. Con dos tornillos, el 45,6% de las mujeres tuvieron área de hueso libre en el proceso odontoides entre el 50% y el 75%, y 54,4% estaban por encima del 75%. Entre los hombres este porcentaje fue del 26,6% desde el 50% al 75% de área de hueso libre y el 73,4% por encima del 75%, (p = 0,07). Después de la colocación de dos tornillos, el área de hueso fue, en promedio, el 77,3% de los hombres y el 75,4% de las mujeres. Utilizando la prueba t de Student, las diferencias entre las medias de hombres y mujeres del porcentaje de área de hueso libre son significativamente más bajos en las mujeres (p = 0,0012). Conclusión: La planificación prequirúrgica mediante TC puede ayudar a elegir el número de tornillos a usar en el proceso odontoides. La elección debe ser cuidadosa, especialmente cuando se utilizan dos tornillos en las mujeres.