Clinicoradiological outcomes of Goel and Harms fixation for atlantoaxial instability: An institutional experience.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported on the long-term outcomes of Goel and Harms C1-C2 fusions in the Asian population. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 53 patients undergoing Goel and Harms fixation (2010 -2018). Clinical outcomes were assessed utilizing the neck disability index (NDI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS). Outcomes were then correlated with fusion rates (using dynamic X-rays), atlanto-dens interval (ADI), and space available for cord (SAC) data. RESULTS: The study's 53 patients averaged 49.98 years of age and included 42 males and 11 females. The mean preoperative versus postoperative scores on multiple outcome measures showed NDI 31.62 ± 11.05 versus decreased to 8.68 ± 3.76 post, mean JOA score (e.g., in 41 patients with myelopathy) improved from 13.20 ± 3.96 to 15.2 ± 2.17, and the mean VAS decreased from 4.85 ± 1.03 to 1.02 ± 0.87 and showed restoration of the ADI (1.96 ± 0.35 mm) and SAC (20.42 ± 0.35 mm). A 98.13% rate of C1-C2 fusion was achieved at 12 postoperative months. CONCLUSION: Goel and Harms technique for C1-C2 fusion resulted in both good clinical and radiological outcomes.