Transoral Decompression and Stabilization of the Upper Cervical Segments of the Spine Using Custom-Made Implants in Various Pathologic Conditions of the Craniovertebral Junction.

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of patients with atlantoaxial instability caused by pathologic changes of the skull base and craniovertebral junction combined with anterior compression of the brain stem is still associated with substantial technical difficulties and remains a matter of debate. Currently, anterior stabilization of the atlantoaxial junction is a promising approach that allows for the resection of the pathologic lesion of the skull base and craniovertebral junction with subsequent stabilization of C1-C2 or C1-C3 in 1 stage.

METHODS

In this article, we present 5 clinical cases in which transoral decompression and anterior stabilization of the C1-C2 (4 cases) and C1-C3 (1 case of anteroposterior stabilization) segments with custom-made fixation systems was used to treat various pathologic conditions of the craniovertebral junction.

RESULTS

In all cases, complete removal of the pathologic lesion and decompression of the upper cervical spinal cord as well as reliable stabilization of the upper spinal segments were achieved. Some degree of movement in the cervical spine was preserved in all patients due to unfixed C0-C1 and C3-C7 segments in 4 cases and C0-C1 and C4-C7 in 1 case. Implant migration or instability was not observed in any of the cases. The follow-up period was from 1 to 4 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The first experience of anterior fixation using individually manufactured C1-C2 and C1-C3 systems demonstrated their effectiveness. This approach can be safely used as an alternative or in combination with standard posterior stabilization methods. An innovative surgical technology developed and implemented in our surgical practice allows for optimization of the surgical technique, reduces the number of perioperative complications, eliminates movement restrictions in the cervical spine, improves motor activity, and makes earlier patient rehabilitation possible.