The indication and preliminary clinical outcome of atlantoaxial tri-screw-rod fixation

English Keywords:Atlantoaxial instability  Internal fixation  Pedicle scew  Fusion

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objective：To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcome and indication of atlantoaxial tri-screw-rod fixation.Method：From June 2008 to June 2010，21 patients suffering from atlantoaxial instability underwent fusion and atlantoaxial tri-screw-rod fixation.There were 12 males and 9 females，aged from 17 to 53（mean 34 years）.They all presented with cervical pain and malfunction.The radiographical fingdings indicated atlantoaxial instability together with C1 lateral mass fracture.10 cases with atlantoaxial dislocation underwent preoperative skull traction and postoperative halo-vest.Result：The operation time was 70-140 minutes（average，92 minutes）.Patients were followed up for an average of 14.2 months（range，6-24 months）.No spinal cord or vertebral artery injuries were noted.All cases got bony fusion 3-6 months after operation（average，4 months）.No instrument failure was found at final follow-up.Conclusion：The atlantoaxial tri-screw-rod fixation technique provides good biomechanical force，which can be used in patients unavailable to bilateral C1 pedicle screw placement and avoid loss of ROM due to craniocervical fusion. 【Key words】 Atlantoaxial instability；Internal fixation；Pedicle scew；Fusion 【Author′s address】 Spinal Surgery Department，the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua University，Hengyang，Hunan，421001，China