scholarly journals P.139 Fixation of Type II Odontoid fractures with anterior single screw

Author(s):  
AM Seleem ◽  
NM Sayed

Background: More than 60% of spinal injuries affect the cervical spine,and approximately 20% of all cervical spine injuries involve the axis.The most common axis injury is odontoid fracture.The management of odontoid fractures became less controversial than before. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients(25 males and 5 females)who underwent anterior single screw fixation for recent Type II odontoid fractures at King Fahd Hospital,Al-Madina Al-Munawarah,in Saudi Arabia(SA) between January 2004 and December 2007 were included in this study.Data including clinical examination,imaging studies and operative technique were used to analyze the results of this surgical technique. Results: Single screw for fixation of type II odontoid fracture was found easier and simpler than double screws with the same advantages.This method resulted in immediate spinal stability and preserves normal rotation at C1–2 in all patients.Radiological evidence of bone union achieved in 22 patients(73% of cases);and nonunion in 8 patients(27% of cases).Complications related to surgical procedure and hardware failure were recorded in 4 patients(13% of cases). Conclusions: Direct anterior single screw fixation is an effective,simple,and safe method for treating type II odontoid fractures.It is associated with rapid patient mobilization,minimal postoperative pain,and shorter hospital stay.By this technique,the required anatomical and functional outcome can be obtained through immediate stability of the axis,preserves C1–2 rotatory motion,and achieved high union rate.

Neurosurgery ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark N. Hadley ◽  
Carol Browner ◽  
Volker K.H. Sonntag

Abstract The combination of movement, location, and anatomy of the axis predisposes it to multiple and varied fracture/dislocations distinct from other vertebrae. We examine all forms of axis fractures and address the appropriate treatment for each specific fracture type. In a retrospective review of 625 cervical spine fractures during an 8-year period, we found 107 axis fractures. There were 25 hangman's fractures (23%), 59 odontoid fractures (55%), and 23 miscellaneous fractures (22%), Each case was characterized by age, sex, the presence of associated injuries, presenting symptoms and findings, initial treatment, and results of that treatment. Excluding 6 early deaths, 90 of 101 patients were located for a median follow-up of 3.2 years. We found that 17% of cervical fractures involve the axis. Axis fractures have a high association with head and other cervical spine injuries, 40% and 18%, respectively. Few neurological deficits result from a fracture of the 2nd cervical vertebra. Hangman's fractures are effectively treated with external stabilization, preferably with a halo vest. We noted a shorter period of treatment using the halo vest as compared to the SOMI brace. Nonunion occurred in 26% of odontoid Type II fractures, but occurred in 67% of those with dens displacement of 6 mm or greater, regardless of age or direction of dislocation. We recommend early surgical therapy for this subgroup. There is no correlation between age and the rate of nonunion. In patients with odontoid Type II fractures with dens displacement of 0 to 5 mm, fusion occurs with external stabilization alone. Odontoid Type III fractures are one-half as common as Type II fractures, and all heal well with external stabilization. Twenty-two per cent of acute axis fractures are not hangman's or odontoid fractures. Miscellaneous fractures of the axis generally do well with external stabilization and immobilization.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuo-Feng Fan ◽  
Jen-Chung Liao ◽  
Chi-Chien Niu ◽  
Lih-Huei Chen ◽  
Wen-Jer Chen ◽  
...  

Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 95 (31) ◽  
pp. e3723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Ji ◽  
Minghui Zheng ◽  
Dongbin Qu ◽  
Lin Zou ◽  
Yongquan Chen ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus D. Mazur ◽  
Michael L. Mumert ◽  
Erica F. Bisson ◽  
Meic H. Schmidt

Anterior screw fixation of Type II odontoid fractures provides immediate stabilization of the cervical spine while preserving C1–2 motion. This technique has a high fusion rate, but can be technically challenging. The authors identify key points that should be taken into account to maximize the chance for a favorable outcome. Keys to success include proper patient and fracture selection, identification of suitable screw entry point and correct screw trajectory, achieving bicortical purchase, and placing 2 screws when feasible and applicable. The authors review the operative technique and present guidance on appropriate patient selection and common pitfalls in anterior screw fixation, with strategies for avoiding complications.


1990 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Marks ◽  
Gordon R. Bell ◽  
Francis R.S. Boumphrey

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document