A novel surgical treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation
- VernacularTitle:难复性寰枢关节脱位的手术治疗
- Author:
Chao WANG
;
Ming YAN
;
Haitao ZHOU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Atlanto-axial joint;
Dislocations;
Internal fixators
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2001;0(05):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore a novel operative management for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. Methods Fifty-four patients, which as 32 males and 22 females aged from 7 to 63 years old with a mean of 32 years, were diagnosed with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation, including 18 patients with os odontoideum, 22 occipitalization, 5 malunion of odontoid fracture and 9 relaxation of transverse ligament of atlas. Forty patients presented signs and symptoms of myelopathy or spinal cord injury. All of the patients underwent the operation of open reduction and release by transoral approach. The longus collies muscles, longus capitis muscles, anterior longitudinal ligament, atlantoaxial articular capsules, the apical odontoid ligament and alar odontoid ligaments may be included, were transected, followed by arthrodesis via posterior approach in one stage. Different methods of posterior arthrodesis were conducted as followed: C1,2 transarticular screw fixation in 5 cases, occipitocervical fixation using pedicle screws of axis and occipitocervical plate in 37 cases, and C1,2 joint fixation with plates and screws in the lateral masses of the atlas and axis in 12 cases. Results A complete reduction was achieved in 41 cases, and the other 13 patients obtained partial reduction. Forty-eight patients were followed up from 4 to 40 months, 15.7 months at the average. All of them achieved solid arthrodesis. According to Odom's scoring system, among the 38 patients with preoperative upper cervical myelopathy, 15 patients were assessed as excellent, 14 good, 8 fair and 1 poor. During the operation, cerebral spinal fluid leakage occurred in 1 case, and pedicle screwing failed in 1 case. After the operation, respiratory failure was found in 1 case, nasal sound in 3 cases, dysphagia in 1 case. One patient became quadriplegia due to myelitis caused by septicemia at two weeks after the operation. The internal fixation loosened in 1 case at 2 months postoperatively. Conclusion Transorally surgical release for reduction and posterior arthrodeses could achieve satisfactory outcomes in patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.
