A new etiology of nontraumatic C0-C1-C2-Complex instability - abnormality of musculus rectus capitis posterior minor: a case report.

PURPOSE: This study presents an abnormality of the musculus rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmi) as a new etiological factor for nontraumatic sagittal plane instability in the C0-C1-C2-complex, with a focus on identifying the absence or atrophy of RCPmi on both sides. METHODS: A 36-year-old male patient presented with recurring neck pain (VAS 8/10) and tingling paresthesia in the entire left hand over a six-month period, without significant neurological deficits. Radiated arm pain was not reported. Imaging examinations revealed sagittal plane instability in the C0-C1-C2-complex, spinal canal stenosis (SCS), and myelopathy at the C1 level. Subsequently, a dorsal C0-1 reposition and fusion with laminectomy were performed. RESULTS: The congenital absence or atrophy of RCPmi, leading to the lack of cephalad-rearward traction on the C1-tuberculum-posterius, induced a developmental failure of the C1 posterior arch. Consequently, the oblate-shaped C1 posterior arch lost support from the underlying C2 posterior arch and the necessary cephalad-rearward traction throughout the patient's 36-year life. This gradual loss of support and traction caused the C1 posterior arch to shift gradually to the anterior side of the C2 posterior arch, resulting in a rotational subluxation centered on the C0/1 joints in the sagittal plane. Ultimately, this led to SCS and myelopathy. Traumatic factors were ruled out from birth to the present, and typical degenerative changes were not found in the upper cervical spine, neck muscles, and ligaments. CONCLUSION: In this case, we not only report the atrophy or absence of RCPmi as a new etiological factor for nontraumatic sagittal plane instability in the C0-C1-C2-complex but also discovered a new function of RCPmi. The cephalad-rearward traction exerted by RCPmi on the C1 posterior arch is essential for the development of a normal C1 anterior-posterior diameter.

Relationship between clinical parameters and malformations in dogs diagnosed with atlanto-axial instability.

Atlanto-axial instability is a common disease that affects toy-breed dogs. Most cases of atlanto-axial instability are congenital. Furthermore, patients with atlanto-axial instability are predisposed to other concurrent diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to retrospectively determine the presence of concurrent diseases in cases with atlanto-axial instability using imaging data and analyze the relationship between clinical parameters and the incidence of complex malformations. The clinical data and imaging findings of 41 toy-breed dogs diagnosed with atlanto-axial instability were analyzed using their medical records and imaging data. Occipital dysplasia (17/27), atlanto-occipital overlapping (22/34), dens dysplasia (27/41), Chiari-like malformation (8/34), syringomyelia (5/34), lateral ventricular enlargement (20/36), and intracranial arachnoid cyst (5/35) were observed in patients with atlanto-axial instability. The body weight of the patients in the groups with atlanto-occipital overlapping and lateral ventricular enlargement was lower than that of those in the groups without these diseases (1.78 ± 0.71 vs 2.71 ± 1.15 kg, P = 0.0269, 1.60 ± 0.40 vs 2.75 ± 1.08 kg, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, when the correlation between the total number of concurrent diseases and the age at onset and body weight was examined, it became clear that lower body weight was associated with the incidence of a greater number of concurrent diseases. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that toy-breed dogs are more likely to present with complex malformations and should be evaluated carefully with additional examinations and treatment methods.

Clinical characteristics of upper cervical spine injuries in children: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSI) can be devastating, and children < 8 years are particularly at risk for upper CSI given unique anatomical differences. Diagnosis of these injuries can be delayed due to variable clinical presentations and a paucity of existing literature. The authors aimed to characterize the spectrum of pediatric upper CSI. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center case series of trauma patients aged < 16 years who were assessed at a level I pediatric trauma center and diagnosed with upper CSI between 2000 and 2020. Patients were included if they had evidence of bony or ligamentous injury from the occiput to C2 on imaging or autopsy. Data were obtained from manual chart review and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In total, 502 patients were screened and 202 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 31 (15%) had atlanto-occipital (AO) joint distractions, 10 (5%) had atlanto-axial (AA) joint distractions, 31 (15%) had fractures of C1-2, and 130 (64%) had ligamentous injury without joint distraction. Of the patients with AO injury, 15 patients had complete dislocation. They presented as hemodynamically unstable with signs of herniation and 14 died (93%). In contrast, 16 had incomplete dislocation (subluxation). They usually had stable presentations and survived with good outcomes. Of the patients with AA injury, 2 had complete dislocation, presented with arrest and signs of herniation, and died. In contrast, 8 patients with subluxation mostly presented as clinically stable and all survived with little residual disability. The most common fractures of C1 were linear fractures of the lateral masses and of the anterior and posterior arches. The most common fractures of C2 were synchondrosis, hangman, and odontoid fractures. Overall, these patients had excellent outcomes. Ligamentous injuries frequently accompanied other brain or spine injuries. When these injuries were isolated, patients recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: Among upper CSI, AO and AA joint injuries emerged as particularly severe with high mortality rates. Both could be divided into complete dislocations or incomplete subluxations, with clear clinical differences and the former presenting with much more severe injuries. Lateral cervical spine radiography should be considered during resuscitation of unstable trauma patients to assess for these CSI subtypes. Fractures and ligamentous injuries were clinically heterogeneous, with presentations and outcomes depending on severity and associated injuries.

Early Outcomes of Bone Autografting in the Bilateral Atlantoaxial Joints Applied in Posterior Fusion Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cable-dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation can provide promising results in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation or instability. However, bilateral atlantoaxial joints bone autografting has not been conducted in this technique. We aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bilateral atlantoaxial joints bone autografting in posterior cable-dragged reduction and cantilever-beam internal fixation. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 14 patients with a minimum 24-month follow-up from December 2019 to September 2020. The granular bone harvested from the iliac crest was packed into the bilateral atlantoaxial joints of 14 patients in posterior cable-dragged reduction and cantilever-beam internal fixation. X-ray imaging and cervical computed tomography (CT) were performed during follow-up. The time required for bone fusion was recorded. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the JOA scores, NDI, and VAS scores. Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-squared test, or the Fisher exact test were used to compare the two groups regarding patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, bone fusion rates, and cervical sagittal alignment. RESULTS: The operations were successfully performed in all patients without any intraoperative complications. The mean operation time was (169.64 ± 20.91) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was (130.71 ± 33.62) mL. All patients received satisfactory reductions and firm bony fusion at the final follow-up. The fusion rates were 64.29% in the atlantoaxial joints and 21.43% in post bone graft area at 3 months postoperatively, and a significant difference was observed (p = 0.022). Besides, the cervical sagittal alignment in all patients was well maintained in the last follow-up compared to preoperatively. Importantly, a complete bony fusion in the atlantoaxial joints was observed in all patients. Moreover, the JOA, NDI, and VAS scores had improved significantly at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Bone autografting of the bilateral atlantoaxial joints is a safe and effective technique to increase bone fusion rates, shorten bone fusion time, and reduce complication rates when the cable-dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation approach is used. Therefore, it is a cost-effective surgical procedure for treating patients with atlantoaxial dislocation or instability.

Craniocervical fusion in the paediatric population - case series of 21 patients.

PURPOSE: Craniocervical junction instability in a paediatric population presents a formidable challenge to the neurosurgeon. With a variety of anatomical variations, diminutive bony and ligamentous structures, possible superimposed syndromic abnormalities, the craniocervical junction is a technically challenging region to operate within. We aimed to review our series of patients to identify the common pathologies necessitating craniocervical fusion along with the use of intraoperative image guidance. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of twenty-one patients, with a mean age of 8.1 years, undergoing craniocervical fixations, involving either occipitocervical fusion or atlantoaxial fixation, from a single institution over a twelve-year period. The presentation, preoperative investigations, indication for surgery, surgical procedure, use of intraoperative navigation and clinical and radiological results were examined. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent primary C1-2 fixation, with the remaining 9 undergoing occipitocervical fusion. Five patients underwent surgery for traumatic instability, seven for os odontoideum, six for congenital anomalies and three for post-infectious instability. Follow up for 20 patients averaged 34 months (range 2-93 months). Five patients had Trisomy 21 and all underwent C1-2 fixation. Frameless stereotactic image guidance was utilised in five patients. No patients suffered immediate complications resulting from craniocervical junction fusion. Patients were observed to either neurologically improve (n = 6), or arrest their neurological deterioration following surgical intervention (n = 14), with concomitant radiological evidence of osseous fusion at follow up in 18 of 20 patients (90%). Two patients (10%) had radiological evidence of screw lucency, but neither required intervention because of being asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Craniocervical fixation in a paediatric population is a viable and safe treatment modality for the management of disorders requiring stabilisation at the craniocervical junction. Our experience of utilising frameless stereotaxy in the setting of grossly distorted anatomical landmarks is also reported.

C1-C2 intraarticular distraction with anterior cervical cages for basilar invagination realignment: Operative technique nuances and review of literature.

Neurosurgical management of basilar invagination (BI) has traditionally been aimed at direct cervicomedullary decompression through transoral dens resection or suboccipital decompression with supplemental instrumented fixation. Dr. Goel introduced chronic atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) as the etiology in most cases of BI and described a technique for distracting the C1-C2 joint with interfacet spacers to achieve reduction and anatomic realignment. We present our modification to Goel's surgical technique, in which we utilize anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) cages as C1-C2 interfacet implants. A young adult male presented to our institution with BI, cervicomedullary compression, occipitalization of C1, and Chiari 1 malformation. There was AAD of C1 over the C2 lateral masses. This reduced some with preoperative traction. He underwent successful C1-C2 interfacet joint reduction and arthrodesis with anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) cages and concomittant occiput to C2 instrumented fusion. BI can be effectively treated through reduction of AAD and by utilizing ACD cages as interfacet spacers.

Myelopathy resulting from degenerative atlantoaxial subluxation.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical features and treatment strategy of degenerative atlantoaxial subluxation (DAAS). METHODS: Patients with DAAS treated in our institution from 2003 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We utilized the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale to evaluate the neurologic status and distance of Ranawat et al. (DOR) to measure vertical migration. RESULTS: We recruited 40 patients with > 2 years of follow-up and an average age of 62.3 ± 7.7 years. All the patients had myelopathy; only one patient had moderate trauma before exacerbation of symptoms, and the duration of symptoms was 34 ± 36 months. The most frequent radiological features were vertical migration of C1 (100%), sclerosis (100%), and narrowing of the atlantoaxial lateral mass articulations (100%). Two patients underwent transoral release combined with posterior reduction and fusion, and 38 patients underwent posterior reduction and fusion with C1 lateral mass screws-C2 pedicle screws and plate systems only. Forty cases (100%) achieved a solid atlantoaxial fusion, and 38 cases (95%) achieved anatomic atlantoaxial reduction. The JOA score increased from 9.3 ± 2.6 to 14.8 ± 2.1 (P < 0.01). DOR increased from 14.5 ± 2.5 to 17.8 ± 2.2 mm at the final follow-up (P < 0.01). Loosening of the locking caps was detected in one case, bony fusion was achieved, and harvest-site pain was reported in five patients. CONCLUSION: DAAS differs from other types of AAS and presents with anterior subluxation combined with vertical subluxation arising from degenerative changes in the atlantoaxial joints. We recommend anatomic reduction as an optimal strategy for DAAS.

Os odontoideum and craniovertebral junction instability secondary to dystonia: case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Os odontoideum refers to a rounded ossicle detached from a hypoplastic odontoid process at the body of the axis. The aetiology has been debated and believed to be either congenital or acquired (resulting from trauma). Os odontoideum results in incompetence of the transverse ligament and thus predisposes to atlantoaxial instability and spinal cord injury. METHODS/RESULTS: Three cases of children with severe dystonic cerebral palsy presenting with myelopathic deterioration secondary to atlantoaxial instability due to os odontoideum are presented. This observation supports the hypothesis of os odontoideum being an acquired phenomenon, secondary to chronic excessive movement with damage to the developing odontoid process. CONCLUSION: In children with cerebral palsy and dystonia, pre-existing motor deficits may conceal an evolving myelopathy and result in delayed diagnosis of clinically significant atlantoaxial subluxation.

Study on articular surface morphology of atlantoaxial lateral mass based on differential manifold.

OBJECTIVES: To propose a surface reconstruction algorithm based on a differential manifold (a space with local Euclidean space properties), which can be used for processing of clinical images and for modeling of the atlantoaxial joint. To describe the ideal anatomy of the lateral atlantoaxial articular surface by measuring the anatomical data. METHODS: Computed tomography data of 80 healthy subjects who underwent cervical spine examinations at our institution were collected between October 2019 and June 2022, including 46 males and 34 females, aged 37.8 ± 5.1 years (28-59 years). A differential manifold surface reconstruction algorithm was used to generate the model based on DICOM data derived by Vision PACS system. The lateral mass articular surface was measured and compared in terms of its sagittal diameter, transverse diameter, articular surface area, articular curvature and joint space height. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between left and right sides of the measured data in normal adults (P > 0.05). The atlantoaxial articular surface sagittal diameter length was (15.83 ± 1.85) and (16.22 ± 1.57) mm on average, respectively. The transverse diameter length of the articular surface was (16.29 ± 2.16) and (16.49 ± 1.84) mm. The lateral articular surface area was (166.53 ± 7.69) and (174.48 ± 6.73) mm2 and the curvature was (164.03 ± 5.27) and (153.23 ± 9.03)°, respectively. The joint space height was 3.05 ± 0.11mm, respectively. There is an irregular articular space in the lateral mass of atlantoaxial, and both upper and lower surfaces of the articular space are concave. A sagittal plane view shows that the inferior articular surface of the atlas is mainly concave above; however, the superior articular surface of the axis is mainly convex above. In the coronal plane, the inferior articular surface of the atlas is mostly concave above, with most concave vertices located in the medial region, and the superior articular surface of the axis is mainly concave below, with most convex vertices located centrally and laterally. CONCLUSION: A differential manifold algorithm can effectively process atlantoaxial imaging data, fit and control mesh topology, and reconstruct curved surfaces to meet clinical measurement applications with high accuracy and efficiency; the articular surface of the lateral mass of atlantoaxial mass in normal adults has relatively constant sagittal diameter, transverse diameter and area. The distance difference between joint spaces is small, but the shape difference of articular surfaces differs greatly.

The assessment of atlantoaxial joint involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, results from an observational "real-life" study.

Atlantoaxial joint is a possible affected site during rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and, in this work, we evaluated its occurrence and associated characteristics in a "real-life" cohort. By a medical records review study of RA patients longitudinally followed-up, the occurrence of severe atlantoaxial joint involvement was estimated (incidence proportion and incidence rate per 1000 person-years at risk). Regression analyses were also exploited to evaluate possible associated factors. Based on these findings, a prospective recruitment was performed to build a descriptive cross-sectional study in evaluating a subclinical atlantoaxial joint involvement in patients with the same clinical characteristics. Retrospectively, 717 patients (female 56.6%, age 64.7 ± 12.3 years) were studied. The incidence proportion of severe atlantoaxial joint involvement was 2.1% [1.5-2.5], occurring in 15 out of 717 patients, and identified by both MRI and CT scan. Considering over 3091 person-years, an incidence rate of 5.2 × 1000 [2.9-8.3] person-years was estimated. Regression analyses suggested that male gender, a longer disease duration, ACPA positivity and extra-articular manifestations resulted to be significantly associated with a severe atlantoaxial joint involvement. Given these findings, 30 asymptomatic patients were selected according to these clinical characteristics and underwent MRI of cervical spine. To date, almost 50% of these asymptomatic patients showed a subclinical atlantoaxial joint involvement. The occurrence of the severe atlantoaxial joint involvement in RA patients was estimated in a "real-life" setting. Male gender, ACPA positivity, long disease duration, and extra-articular manifestations could be associated with the severe atlantoaxial joint involvement in RA. MRI could provide a useful clinical tool to early evaluate the atlantoaxial joint involvement in RA, also in asymptomatic patients.

C2 Odontoid Fracture Associated with C1-C2 Rotatory Dislocation: A Retrospective Analysis of 2 Surgical Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Odontoid fractures in association with a C1-C2 rotatory luxation reports are seldom found in the literature. The fusion between the lateral mass of C1 and C2 could be of interest to ensure adequate treatment in these particular cases. We report 23 cases where there was coexistence of an odontoid fracture and rotatory subluxation, which were treated surgically using cages between C1 and C2 or just traditional Goel-Harms technique. We evaluated the radiologic fusion rate, reoperation rate, and complications. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of patients with C2 fractures (mixed type and C1-C2 rotatory luxation according to the Fielding classification) who were treated surgically. Radiologic computed tomography scans were used to assess fusion (presence of bridging trabecular bone end plate or pseudoarthrosis) between 6 months and 1.5 years after the surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were diagnosed with C2 fractures and C1-C2 rotatory luxation that were treated surgically and were suitable for the analysis; 11 patients underwent C1-C2 fusion with intra-articular cages, and 12 underwent a classical Goel-Harms technique. The fusion rate at the C1-C2 joint was higher in the cages group. Only 12 patients exhibited fusion at the level of the odontoid fracture. CONCLUSIONS: C2 fractures associated with C1-C2 rotatory dislocation are rare. The fusion rate at the level of the odontoid in these patients appears to be lower than that reported in patients without rotatory dislocation. It may be of special interest to obtain a clear fusion at the C1-C2 joint, where this type of implant seems to offer an advantage.

Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs.

PURPOSE: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. METHODS: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. RESULTS: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Management of the Vertebral Artery in Craniovertebral Junction Stabilization Surgery.

The vertebral artery (VA) has an intimate relationship with the bones of the craniovertebral junction. An exact understanding of the VA anatomy in general and in the specific surgical case in particular is absolutely necessary in order to avoid intraoperative vascular injury. The course of the VA on the inferior aspect of the superior facet of the C2 vertebra makes it susceptible to damage during transarticular and interarticular fixation with the screw insertion in the adjacent lateral mass. The consequences of the intraoperative VA injury will depend on the patency of other arteries supplying the brain. In case of this complication, quick decision-making is essential to avoid excessive blood loss and to preserve adequate cerebral blood flow.

Evolving Concepts of Craniovertebral and Spinal Instability.

Weakness of the muscles of the nape of the neck and back of the spine and its related instability is the nodal point of pathogenesis of a number of clinical and pathological events at the craniovertebral junction and the spine. Whilst acute instability results in sudden and relatively severe symptoms, chronic or long-standing instability is associated with a range of musculoskeletal and structural spinal alterations. Telescoping of the spinal segments results in "vertical" spinal instability in the subaxial spine and central or axial atlantoaxial instability (CAAD) at the craniovertebral junction. Instability in such cases might not be observed on dynamic radiological imaging. Chiari formation, basilar invagination, syringomyelia, and Klippel-Feil alteration are some of the secondary alterations as a result of chronic atlantoaxial instability. Radiculopathy/myelopathy related to spinal degeneration or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament appears to have their origin from vertical spinal instability. All the secondary alterations in the craniovertebral junction and subaxial spine that are traditionally considered pathological and to have compressive and deforming role are essentially protective in nature, are indicative of instability, and are potentially reversible following atlantoaxial stabilization. Stabilization of unstable spinal segments is the basis of surgical treatment.

Biomechanical properties of different anterior and posterior techniques for atlantoaxial fixation: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques for atlantoaxial fixation have been developed. However, the biomechanical differences among various atlantoaxial fixation methods remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical influence of anterior and posterior atlantoaxial fixation techniques on fixed and nonfixed segments. METHODS: An occiput-C7 cervical finite element model was used to construct 6 surgical models including a Harms plate, a transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP), an anterior transarticular screw (ATS), a Magerl screw, a posterior screw-plate, and a screw-rod system. Range of motion (ROM), facet joint force (FJF), disc stress, screw stress, and bone-screw interface stress were calculated. RESULTS: The C1/2 ROMs were relatively small in the ATS and Magerl screw models under all loading directions except for extension (0.1°-1.0°). The posterior screw-plate system and screw-rod system generated greater stresses on the screws (77.6-1018.1 MPa) and bone-screw interfaces (58.3-499.0 MPa). The Harms plate and TARP models had relatively small ROMs (3.2°-17.6°), disc stress (1.3-7.6 MPa), and FJF (3.3-106.8 N) at the nonfixed segments. Changes in disc stress and FJF of the cervical segments were not consistent with changes in ROM. CONCLUSIONS: ATS and Magerl screws may provide good atlantoaxial stability. The posterior screw-rod system and screw-plate system may have higher risks of screw loosening and breakage. The Harms plate and TARP model may more effectively relieve nonfixed segment degeneration than other techniques. The C0/1 or C2/3 segment may not be more susceptible to degeneration than other nonfixed segments after C1/2 fixation.

Transoropharyngeal closed reduction for traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation: a novel technique for fast and precise reduction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to introduce a new technique for the rapid and accurate reduction of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (TAAD) and to investigate its radiological and clinical outcomes. METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 18 patients who were diagnosed with acute TAAD and underwent rapid transoropharyngeal closed reduction in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to December 2020. Following general anaesthesia, all patients were immediately treated with oropharyngeal reduction under somatosensory evoked potential monitoring. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score, neck disability index and visual analog scale score for neck pain were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. Atlantodental distance, posterior atlantodental interval, and the clivus-canal angle were used to assess reduction and spinal cord compression. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 23.3 months, with a range of 13-38 months. No neurovascular injury occurred during the operations. For all patients, the closed reduction method through the oropharynx under general anaesthesia was successful, and the success rate of reduction was 100%. All patients recovered uneventfully with marked improvement in clinical outcomes and imaging parameters (P < 0.01). Two patients developed mild postoperative dysphagia. One patient developed postoperative fever and pulmonary infection. CONCLUSION: Rapid trans-oropharyngeal closed reduction can safely, effectively, and rapidly reduce acute TAAD. This method provides a new strategy for treatment of the condition.

Dynamics of atlantoaxial rotation related to age and sex: a cross-sectional study of 308 subjects.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Physiological ranges and dynamic changes of atlantoaxial rotation (ROTC1/2), total cervical spine rotation (ROTCs) and the percentage of ROTC1/2 from ROTCs (ROTCperc) for different age groups have not yet been investigated in a sufficiently sized cohort. Furthermore, it is not clear whether demographic variables such a sex, smoking status or diabetes affect ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc. PURPOSE: Obtain physiological ranges of ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc for different age groups and determine their age-based dynamics. Investigate whether ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc are affected by sex, smoking status or diabetes. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients undergoing elective CT examinations of the head and neck region between August 2020 and January 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES: Ranges of motion of ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc in degrees. METHODS: A total of 308 subjects underwent dynamic rotational CT examinations of the upper cervical spine. Patients were divided into three age categories A1 (27-49 years), A2 (50-69 years) and A3 (≥70 years). Category A3 was further divided into B1 (70-79 years) and B2 (≥80 years). Values of ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc were compared between all age groups, males and females, smokers and nonsmokers, diabetics a nondiabetics. Dynamics of ROTC1/2, ROTCs related to age and sex were visualized using scatterplot and trendline models. RESULTS: ROTC1/2 significantly decreased from group A1 (64.4°) to B2 (46.7°) as did ROTCs from A1 (131.2°) to B2 (97.6°). No significant differences of ROTperc were found between groups A1-B2 with values oscillating between 49% and 51%. Smoking and diabetes did not significantly affect ROTC1/2, ROTCs and ROTCperc, females had significantly higher ROTCs than males. Males and females demonstrated a different dynamic of ROTC1/2 and ROTCs demonstrated by out scatterplot and trendline models. CONCLUSIONS: Both ROTC1/2 and ROTCs significantly decrease with age, whereas ROTCperc remains stable. Females demonstrated higher ROTCs and their decrease of ROTC1/2 and ROTCs occurred in higher age groups compared to males. The functional repercussions atlantoaxial fusion are variable based on patient age and sex and should be taken into account prior to surgery.

Surgical outcomes of basilar invagination type B without atlantoaxial dislocation through simple posterior fossa decompression: a retrospective study of 18 cases.

BACKGROUND: Basilar invagination (BI) is a common disease in the craniocervical junction (CVJ) area. Posterior fossa decompression with/without fixation is a controversial surgical strategy for BI type B. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simple posterior fossa decompression in treating BI type B. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled BI type B patients who underwent simple posterior fossa decompression at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University between 2014.12 and 2021.12. Patient data and images were recorded pre- and postoperatively (at the last follow-up) to evaluate the surgical outcomes and craniocervical stability. RESULTS: A total of 18 BI type B patients (13 females), with a mean age of 44.2±7.9 years (range 37-62 years), were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 47.7±20.6 months (range 10-81 months). All patients received simple posterior fossa decompression without any fixation. At the last follow-up, compared with preoperation, the JOA scores were significantly higher (14.2±1.5 vs. 9.9±2.0, p = 0.001); the CCA was improved (128.7±9.6° vs. 121.5±8.1° p = 0.001), and the DOCL was reduced (7.9±1.5 mm vs. 9.9±2.5 mm, p = 0.001). However, the follow-up and preoperative ADI, BAI, PR, and D/L ratio were similar. No patients had an unstable condition between the C1-2 facet joints that was observed in the follow-up CT and dynamic X-ray. CONCLUSIONS: In BI type B patients, simple posterior fossa decompression could improve neurological function and will not induce CVJ instability in BI type B patients. Simple posterior fossa decompression could be a satisfactory surgical strategy for BI type B patients, but preoperative CVJ stability assessment is crucial.