[Treatment of combination atlantoaxial fractures with posterior fusion plus atlantoaxial pedicle screw].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical feasibility, approach, efficacy and indications of posterior fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of combination atlantoaxial fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for 26 cases of Jefferson and dens fracture treated with atlantoaxial pedicle screw from June 2008 to May 2010.

RESULTS

The postoperative radiographs verified an excellent position of all screws with a satisfactory atlantoaxial reduction. Operative time was (126 ± 26) min, and blood loss was (350 ± 107) ml. During an average follow-up period of 14 months (range: 6 - 28), it showed no spine cord and vertebral artery injury or interfixation failure. Atlantoaxial alignment and stability were restored without any instrumentation-related complication.

CONCLUSION

Posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw and rod fixation may provide immediate three-dimensional rigid fixation of atlantoaxial joint. This technique is more effective than other previously reported approaches.