Traumatic occipitocervical disruption: a new technique for stabilisation. Case report and literature review.
Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in adults is usually fatal and survival without neurological deficit is rare. The surgical management of those who do survive is difficult and controversial. Most authorities recommend posterior occipitoaxial fusion, but this compromises cervical rotation. We describe a case in which a patient with a traumatic atlanto-occipital disruption but no neurological deficit was treated by atlanto-occipital fusion using a new technique consisting of cancellous bone autografting supported by an occipital plate linked by rods to lateral mass screws in the atlas. The technique is described in detail. At one year the neck was stable, radiological fusion had been achieved, and atlantoaxial rotation preserved. The rationale behind this approach is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. We recommend the technique for injuries of this type.
Anderson
A J
AJ
Department of Spinal Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK. anderson@btinternet.com
Towns
G M
GM
Chiverton
N
N
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000601:surgery; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012399:Rotation; D016896:Treatment Outcome