title: Triple anterior screw fixation of an acute combination atlas-axis fracture. Case report.
abstract: The authors report the successful treatment of an acute combination atlas-axis fracture in an 85-year-old man using anterior odontoid and C1-2 transarticular facet screw fixation and a Philadelphia collar. Treatment with halo brace immobilization failed, and the patient experienced recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation when placed partially prone for chest physiotherapy. If a posterior approach is not feasible, an anterior odontoid and C1-2 transarticular facet screw fixation can be considered as a salvage procedure for patients with acute combination atlas-axis fractures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Apostolides
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theodore
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Karahalios
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sonntag
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D001863:Bone Screws; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy