[C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screws and crosslink compression fixation for instable atlas fracture].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of C(1) lateral-mass screw-C(2) pedicle screw and crosslink compression fixation for Jefferson fracture.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with atlas fracture, 12 males and 5 females, aged 42.5 (25 - 67), 4 of which with unstable atlas fracture, were treated. 11 cases underwent C(1) lateral mass and C(2) pedicle screws and crosslink fixation, 6 of which had axial instability and rupture of atlas transverse ligament, 1 had C(2) luminal fracture, and the other 4 had axial instability. With the assistant of regional anatomy study and fluoroscopy the C(1) lateral mass screw and C(2) pedicle screw were inserted properly. Connecting rods were applied into the two screws on each side. Crosslink between the two rods were applied, compressing to achieve the realignment of the C(1) lateral mass fracture and C(0)-C(1)-C(2) into anatomical position. C(1)-C(2) fusions with posterior bone graft were performed in the patients with axial instability or transverse ligament discontinuity.


RESULTS
The operative time ranged from 90 to 176 min with an average of 124 min. The intra-operative blood loss ranged from 270 to 1200 ml with an average of 432 ml. Fluoroscopic examination was used for 18 seconds on average. There were no neurological deficits, vertebral artery related complications or other complications in all the patients. No neurological deficit was aggravated after the patient's mobilization with brace 5 days after operation. One case of vertebral artery rupture happened because of the use of electrocautery. The bleeding was stopped by the use of hemostatic sponge and bone cement without causing cerebral hemodynamic deficit. X-ray examination showed bone fusion and stability in all the patients three months after the operation. The restoration of the C(2) fracture was confirmed by CT scan.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteosynthesis of the atlas by C(1) lateral-mass screw-C(2) pedicle screw and crosslink compression fixation is an ideal option for C(1) burst fracture with or without rupture of transverse ligament. The procedure allows a physiological reconstruction of the C(0)-C(1)-C(2) joint and short segmental solid fusion for Jefferson fracture.
Tan
Jun
J
Department of Orthopedics, East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China.
Ni
Chun-hong
CH
Li
Li-jun
LJ
Zhou
Wei
W
Qian
Lie
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion