Objective To explore the clinical outcomes of anterior plate fixation through transoral approach in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures.Methods From March 2004 to May 2010,20 patients with unstable atlas fractures were treated by anterior plate fixation through transoral approach,including 12 males and 8 females,aged from 23 to 68 years (average,47.7±13.9 years).Of the 20 cases of unstable atlas fractures,4 cases were classified as anterior 1/2 Jefferson fracture,8 cases as 1/2 ring Jefferson fracture,and 8 cases as anterior 3/4 ring Jefferson fracture.The preoperative average VAS scores were 6.0±1.3 points,ranged from 4 to 8 points.Clinical and imaging examinations were performed during follow-up period to evaluate the outcomes.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 81 months,with an average of 48.5±20.0 months.There were no screw loosing and breakage,no plate displacement,and no spinal cord and vertebral artery injury during operation.A total of 20 plates were placed and all 40 screws were inserted into atlas lateral mass.Computed tomography scans demonstrated 2 screws were placed too close to the vertebral artery canal,but without clinical consequences.The postoperative VAS scores were from 0 to 3 points with an average of 1.3±1.0 points.Static and dynamic films 6 months after surgery demonstrated that fusion was achieved in all cases.Atlantoaxial rotational function was restored satisfactorily.No plate-related complication was observed in all patients in the whole follow-up period.Conclusion Anterior plate fixation through transoral approach is an effective method for management of unstable atlas fractures,which has advantages such as solid bony fusion and low incidence of complication.