Application of atlantoaxial pedicle screw system in the treatment of upper cervical injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the methods, feasibility, outcome and indications of atlantoaxial pedicle screw system in the treatment of upper cervical injury. Methods Thirteen patients with upper cervical injury were treated by atlantoaxial pedicle screw system. There were four patients with old odontoid fractures, two with new odontoid fractures (Aderson ⅡC), three with rapture of the transverse ligament of C1 and four with C1 fracture. Results A total of 26 pedicle screws and 26 pedicle screws were implanted. The mean operation time and perioperative blood loss were 2.6 hours and 470 ml, respectively. No injury to the vertebral artery and spinal cord was observed. All patients were followed up for 4-25 months (mean 13 months). The clinical symptoms were improved to some extent according to Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system, with improvement rate of 72%-91% (mean 81%). The screws were verified to be fixed in a proper position, and no hardware broken or loosening was observed except for one C1 screw penetrating the medial superior cortex of lateral mass for 3 mm without affecting occipito-aflantal motions. All patients had a solid bony fusion 3-6 months later. Conclusion The atlantoaxial pedicle screw system is feasible in the treatment of upper cervical injury with the advantages of better outcomes and wider indications.