Posterior Stabilization for Management of Neglected Odontoid Fractures

Background: Odontoid fractures are specific types of cervical fractures that show many challenges in their management. There are several types of Odontoid fractures with different modes of stability. There is no definite widely accepted way of management of Type II fractures among spine surgeons. There is a high rate of delayed or non-union of Odontoid fracture cases that are managed conservatively which may lead to dangerous complications. If non-union occurs, the patient should undergo surgical intervention as early as possible to avoid neurological deterioration. Objective: To demonstrate the value of intra-operative reduction and posterior stabilization of atlanto-axial junction in cases of non-union old Odontoid fractures and their outcome. The study was also to check for criteria associated with a favorable outcome and if posterior decompression will be associated with a better outcome. Patients and Methods: 12 patients of old neglected Odontoid fractures following conservative management and complicated by non-union were operated through intra-operative reduction with posterior stabilization and fixation of atlanto-axial junction at Al-Azhar University Hospitals during the period starting from June 2016 till the end of December 2019 using Screws and Rods. Intra-operative reduction under C-Arm X-ray and firm stabilization were aimed in all cases. Posterior cord decompression was an option in selected 4 patients with severe cord compression. Both intra-operative, post-operative radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: Good intra-operative reduction and alignment of fractured Odontoid process were obtained in all cases with use of 4 screws and 2 rods (2 screws and 1 rod on each side) in 11 cases and with using 2 screws and 1 rod (unilateral fixation) in one case. Good clinical outcome was obtained in all patients with improvement of pre-operative condition except in 3 patients where there were persistent pre-operative neurological deficits and without deterioration of pre-operative condition. Additional posterior cord decompression was associated with a better clinical outcome in 2 of 4 selected cases with severe cord compression. Conclusion: Good intra-operative reduction under C-Arm X-ray with posterior stabilization through atlanto-axial fixation using screws and rods is a reliable way of management of neglected type II Odontoid fractures complicated with non-union. Better results were obtained with less pre-operative neurological deficits and with absence of myelomalacia in MRI images. Additional posterior decompression may improve clinical outcome in cases of severe cord compression.

Experience in surgical treatment of typeⅡodontoid fractures:A report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of typeⅡodontoid fractures were reported to share our experience in surgery treatment of such cases.A 33-year-old woman with comminuted typeⅡodontoid fracture and a 42-year-old man with fracture end hardened typeⅡodontoid fracture received surgical treatment in our hospital.Though imaging examination suggested that these two patients were suitable for anterior screw fixation,we encountered difficulties during the operation.The two patients eventually underwent posterior C1–C2 fusion surgery and recovered well.According to the experience of these two cases,we found that the fracture line angle and the degree of comminution are two important factors affecting surgical decision-making.Although anterior screw fixation is the ideal choice for typeⅡodontoid fractures with anterior superior to posterior inferior fracture line,it may not be the best choice for comminuted or fracture end hardened typeⅡodontoid fractures.

Atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation for old odontoid fracture combined with atlantoaxial instability

Objective To explore the clinical effect of the trans-atlantoaxial pedicle screw-rod internal fixation and fusion in treatment of old odontoid fracture combined with atlantoaxial instability. Methods The study involved 48 patients with