C_(2,3) pedicle screw fixation through cervical posterior approach in treatment of Hangman's fracture / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and evaluate the application value of pedicle screw system internal fixation in short segment for the treatment of Hangman's fracture. METHODS: A retrospectively analysis was conducted in 17 cases of Hangman's fracture who were treated in Department of Orthopaedics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital since 2004. According to Levine-Edwards classification, 4 of them belonged to type II, 6 type IIA, 7 type III. According to Frankel classification in function of spinal cord, 12 cases of them belonged to Grade E and 5 cases D. All cases were fixed with C2,3 pedicle screw system short segment implantation materials (product of Medtronic Sofamor) after skull traction and reduction. RESULTS: No vertebra artery injury or spinal injury was found during operation. Postoperational photograph and CT detection revealed bilateral fracture had no reduction in 1 case and cerebrospinal fluid leaking occurred in 1 case who was cured after conventional therapy. All cases were followed up for 12-24 months (average 14.5 moths). All fractures healed within 6 months, and activities of cervical vertebra were not obviously limited. As for nerve function, 4 cases of Grade D recovered up to Grade E. Ti-alloy implant materials used in this study were well biocompatible to the human body. There were no blood, immune, histology reactions, or the corrosion and abrasion of Ti-alloy appeared. CONCLUSION: Pedicle screw fixation in short segment for the treatment of Hangman's fracture is satisfactory in fracture reduction, fixation and healing. There are little lose in function of cervical vertebrae and it promotes functional recovery of spinal cord.