Rod Migration into the Posterior Fossa after Harms Operation : Case Report and Review of Literatures.
10.3340/jkns.2010.47.3.221
- Author:
Hyoung Joon CHUN
1
;
Koang Hum BAK
;
Tae Hoon KANG
;
Hyeong Joong YI
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. pkh2325@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Atlantoaxial fixation;
Harms technique;
Migration;
Odontoid process fracture;
Rod
- MeSH:
Brain;
Consciousness;
Craniocerebral Trauma;
Disability Evaluation;
Dizziness;
Follow-Up Studies;
Headache;
Humans;
Odontoid Process;
Spine;
Unconscious (Psychology);
Young Adult
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2010;47(3):221-223
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle (C1LM-C2P) fixation is a relatively new technique for atlantoaxial stabilization. Complications from C1LM-C2P fixation have been rarely reported. The authors report unilateral rod migration into the posterior fossa as a rare complication after this posterior C1-C2 stabilization technique. A 23-year-old man suffered severe head trauma and cervical spine injury after vehicle accident. He was unconscious for 2 months and regained consciousness. He underwent C1LM-C2P fixation for stabilization of type II odontoid process fracture described by Harms. The patient recovered without a major complication. Twenty months after operation, brain computed tomogram performed at psychology department for disability evaluation showed rod migration into the right cerebellar hemisphere. The patient had mild occipital headache and dizziness only regarding the misplaced rod. He refused further operation for rod removal. To our knowledge, this complication is the first report regarding rod migration after Harms method. We should be kept in mind the possibility of rod migration, and C1LM-C2P fixation should be performed with meticulous technique and long-term follow-up.
