Novel technique of reduction of a chronic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation using a temporary transverse transatlantal rod

One-Stage Anterior Retropharyngeal Release Followed by Posterior Open Reduction and Intra-Articular Cage Fusion for Treating Chronic Fixed Type III Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation

OBJECTIVE

To verify the effectiveness of anterior retropharyngeal release followed by posterior open reduction using long arm reduction screws combined with intra-articular fusion with a cage filled with the local autologous bone for treating fixed Type III atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF).

METHODS

Data from 6 children with fixed AARF were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal release followed by posterior open reduction using long-arm reduction screws combined with intra-articular fusion with a cage filled with local autologous bone. Outcomes were measured using the atlantodental interval value, the Japanese Orthopedic Association score and visual analog scale for neck pain. Patient age, sex, operation time, blood loss, and bone fusion time were recorded. Complications related to the operation were also recorded.

RESULTS

All patients achieved complete reduction and solid bone fusion at follow-up. The atlantodental interval dropped to 2.1 ± 0.5 mm after the operation from a preoperative score of 15.3 ± 3.1 mm (P < 0.05). Japanese Orthopedic Association score significantly improved from a preoperative score of 15.3 ± 0.5 to 17 ± 0 at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Visual analog scale for neck pain markedly decreased from preoperative 4.5 ± 1.0 to 0.2 ± 0.4 at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). No complication related to the surgical approach or instrumentation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage anterior retropharyngeal release followed by posterior open reduction combined with intra-articular cage fusion is effective in treating chronic fixed type III AARF.

Primary treatment of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in children: a multicenter, retrospective series of 125 cases

OBJECTIVE

The primary treatment for atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the primary treatment for AARF and create an algorithm for primary treatment.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the data of 125 pediatric patients at four medical institutions from April 1989 to December 2018. The patients were reported to have neck pain, torticollis, and restricted neck range of motion and were diagnosed according to the Fielding classification as type I or II. As a primary treatment, 88 patients received neck collar fixation, and 28 of these patients did not show symptom relief and required Glisson traction. Thirty-seven patients were primarily treated with Glisson traction. In total, 65 patients, including neck collar treatment failure patients, underwent Glisson traction in hospitals.

RESULTS

The success rate of treatment was significantly higher in the Glisson traction group (97.3%) than in the neck collar fixation group (68.2%) (p = 0.0001, Wilcoxon test). In the neck collar effective group, Fielding type I was more predominant (p = 0.0002, Wilcoxon test) and the duration from onset to the first visit was shorter (p = 0.02, Wilcoxon test) than that in the neck collar ineffective group. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis with the above items, the authors generalized from the estimated formula: logit [p(success group by neck collar fixation group)|duration from onset to the first visit (x1), Fielding type (x2)] = 0.4(intercept) - 0.15x1 + 1.06x2, where x1 is the number of days and x2 = 1 (for Fielding type I) or -1 (for Fielding type II). In cases for which the score is a positive value, the neck collar should be chosen. Conversely, in cases for which the score is a negative value, Glisson traction should be the first choice.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this formula, in patients with Fielding type I AARF, neck collar fixation should be allowed only if the duration from onset is ≤ 10 days. In patients with Fielding type II, because the score would be a negative value, Glisson traction should be performed as the primary treatment.

Traumatic Chronic Irreducible Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation in Adults: Review of the Literature, With Two New Examples

Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) is a rare condition in adults and is almost always due to an accompanying trauma. The first example of traumatic AARF in adults was reported by Corner in 1907 and since then only 55 adult cases with this rare traumatic scenario have been published so far. Approximately 80% of adults with traumatic AARF are diagnosed soon after the traumatic events. However, in the remaining casualties, the condition might be missed with some delay from the diagnosis to treatment. If this pathology is diagnosed early enough, the conservative attempts for a closed reduction are usually effective. After closed reduction, external immobilization is required to prevent recurrence of the dislocation. However, with delayed diagnosis, the condition may remain refractory to traction on manipulation and require an open reduction instead. In the literature, such irreducible chronic AARFs are rarely reported, being confined to only 14 adult examples, in whom surgical intervention for correction of the deformity will be required. In such cases, release of the atlantoaxial facet joints is the first surgical step. In the subsequent step, reduction of the dislocated facet joints can be done via one of the already described maneuvers. As the final step, C1-C2 fixation will be necessary for prevention of re-dislocation. Herein, 2 adult patients with chronic rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation of traumatic origin are presented. In both cases, cranial traction and manipulations were ineffective and therefore an open reduction procedure was proposed and accomplished via the posterior midline corridor. The transverse rod technique was implemented subsequent to the atlantoaxial facet release. After correction of the deformity, a C1-C2 fixation was accomplished followed by arthrodesis. In addition to the outlined procedure, an historical review of the literature on this subject from the beginning of 20th century is demonstrated.

Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixed Dislocation: Report on a Series of 32 Pediatric Cases

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series of atlantoaxial rotatory fixed dislocation (AARFD).

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical features and the surgical treatment of AARFD.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The classification and treatment strategy for atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) were previously described and remained controversial. AARF concomitant with atlantoaxial dislocation has different clinical features and treatment strategy with the most AARF. Due to deficiency of the transverse ligament or odontoid, the atlantoaxial remains unstable even after the torticollis relieved or cured. Because of the rarity, treatment strategy for this special condition has not been specialized and fully explored in the literatures.

METHODS

Thirty-two children with AARFD (sustained torticollis more than 6 weeks and atlanto-dental internal more than 5 mm) were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment methodology, pearls, and pitfalls of the treatment were discussed.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases had sustained torticollis for an average of 5.7 months. ADI of them ranged from 8 to 22 mm, with a mean of 11.3 mm. Eight cases presented with signs and symptoms of spinal cord dysfunction. All 32 cases underwent surgery and had no spinal cord or vertebral artery injury. The surgery included posterior reduction and fusion (reducible dislocation and torticollis, 16 cases), and transoral release followed by posterior reduction and fusion (irreducible dislocation and torticollis, 16 cases). The average follow-up time was 42 months. Solid fusion and torticollis healing were achieved in 31 patients (96.9%) as detected radiologically. Two cases (6.3%, 2/32) suffered complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage and recurred torticollis followed by revision).

CONCLUSION

AARFD had distinct clinical features relative to common presentations of AARF. Because of deficiency of the transverse ligament or odontoid and subsequent atlantoaxial dislocation, surgical treatments are applied for this condition, including transoral release and posterior C1-2 reduction and fusion. AARFD cases were successfully managed surgically without preoperative traction, with few complications seen.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Spontaneous Ankylosis of Occiput to C2 following Closed Traction and Halo Treatment of Atlantoaxial Rotary Fixation

Study Design Case report. Objective We report a case of spontaneous atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) presenting 9 months after onset in an 11-year-old boy. Methods This is a retrospective case report of spontaneous ankylosis of occiput to C2 following traction, manipulative reduction, and halo immobilization for refractory atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. Results The patient underwent traction followed by close manual reduction and placement of halo immobilization after 6 months of severe spontaneous-onset AARF that had been refractory to chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy. Imaging demonstrated dislocation of the left C1-C2 facet joint and remodeling changes of the C2 superior facet prior to reduction, followed by near complete reduction of the dislocation after manipulation and halo placement. Symptoms and clinical appearance were satisfactorily improved and the halo vest was removed after 3 months. At late follow-up, computed tomography demonstrated complete bony ankylosis of the occiput to C2. The patient was found to be HLA B27-positive, but he had no family history of ankylosing spondyloarthropathy or other joint symptoms. The underlying reasons for spontaneous fusion of the occiput to C2 could include the traction, HLA-B27-related spondyloarthropathy, or arthropathic changes caused by traction, reduction, the inciting insult, or immobilization. Conclusion When discussing treatment of childhood refractory AARF by traction, closed manipulation, and halo immobilization, the possibility of developing "spontaneous" ankylosis needs to be considered.

Juvenile chronic arthritis and the craniovertebral junction in the paediatric patient: review of the literature and management considerations

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is a systemic disease of childhood affecting particularly joints. JCA is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory joint disorders with onset before the age of 16 years and is comprised of 7 subtype groups. The pathogenesis of JCA seen in the cervical spine is synovial inflammation, hyperaemia, and pannus formation at the occipitoatlantoaxial joints resulting in characteristic craniovertebral junction findings. Treatment of craniovertebral junction instability as a result of JCA is a challenge. The best treatment strategy may be difficult because of various radiological and clinical severities. A review of the literature and management considerations is presented.

REVIEW

No randomised controlled trial or systematic review on this subject has been published. Only experts' opinions, case reports, and case series have been described. Thirty-four studies have been reviewed in this study. Involvement of the cervical spine in patients with JCA can lead to pain and functional disability. The subtypes that usually affect the cervical spine are the polyarticular type and systemic onset type and rarely the pauciarticular type. The most common cervical spine changes related to JCA are as follows: (1) apophyseal joint ankylosis at C2-C3, (2) atlantoaxial subluxation, (3) atlantoaxial impaction, (4) atlantoaxial rotatory fixation, and (5) growth disturbances of the cervical spine. The incidence of severe subluxations has decreased in the last decade as result of antirheumatoid drugs and biologicals. However, neurological compromise still occurs in JCA patients necessitating surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Whenever the cervical spine is involved in rheumatoid arthritis patients without neurological deficits, conservative treatment is legitimate. Once patients develop neurological signs and symptoms, surgical treatment should be considered with particular focus to age, severity of the disease, and general health condition. Skilled anaesthesia is crucial and the surgical procedure should only be carried out in centres with experience in craniovertebral junction abnormalities.

A new technique for reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation using a simple tool during posterior segmental screw fixation: clinical article

OBJECT

The authors introduce a simple technique and tool to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation during posterior segmental screw fixation.

METHODS

Two types of reduction tool have been designed: T-type and L-type. A T-shaped levering tool was used when a pedicle or pars screw was used for C-2, and an L-shaped tool was used when a laminar screw was used for C-2. Twenty-two patients who underwent atlantoaxial segmental screw fixation and fusion for the treatment of anteroposterior instability or subluxation, using either of these new types of reduction tool, were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data, which had been prospectively collected in a database, were analyzed. The atlantodens interval was measured on lateral radiographs, and the space available for the spinal cord was measured on CT scans.

RESULTS

The authors could attain reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty using either type of tool. The preoperative atlantodens interval ranged from -16.9 to 10.9 mm in a neutral position, and the postoperative interval ranged from -2.8 to 3.0 mm, with negative values due to extension-type or mixed-type instability. The mean space available for the spinal cord significantly increased, from 9.5 mm preoperatively to 15.4 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This technique allowed for controlled manipulation and reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty.

Combined occipitoatlantoaxial rotatory fixation

Occipitoatlantoaxial rotatory fixation (OAARF) is a rare condition involving fixed rotational subluxation of the atlas in relation to both the occiput and axis. Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) appears to precede OAARF in most cases, as untreated AARF may cause compensatory counter-rotation and occipitoaxial fixation at an apparently neutral head position. We report a case of OAARF in an 8-year-old girl with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cervical imaging demonstrated slight rightward rotation of the occiput at 7.63° in relation to C-2 and significant rightward rotation of C-1 at 65.90° in relation to the occiput and at 73.53° in relation to C-2. An attempt at closed reduction with halo traction was unsuccessful. Definitive treatment included open reduction, C-1 laminectomy, and occipitocervical internal fixation and fusion.