Efficacy of pedicle screw instrument for treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To explore the surgical feasibility and clinical outcome of pedicle screw instrument for treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation and to choose an effective method of internal fixation.[Method]From June 2003 to February 2009,14 pationts with atlas dislocation followed by upper cervical cord compression were treated surgically with oral anterior soft tissue release combined with posterior reduction and pedicle screw instrument.Preoperative CT,MRI and radiographs as well as intraoperative screw placement and bone graft were administered in all pationts.Only cervical collars were used as external support for 3 months in occipitocervical fusion.[Result]All screws were successfully placed in atlas and axis.Forteen patients were followed up for an average of 18 months.Bone fusion was achieved in all cases with no complications of nerve,internal fixation failure and redislocation.Neurological recovery was significantly improved in 12 cases and took a turn for better in 2 cases.[Conclusion]Pedicle screw instrument in atlas and axis has the advantages of direct screw placement,short-segment fusion,intraoperative reduction and high fusion rate.It is a better alternative for atlantoaxial dislocation.