Atlantoaxial Joint Interlocking Following Type II Odontoid Fracture Associated with Posterolateral Atlantoaxial Dislocation: a Case Report and Review of Published Reports

Clinical epidemiology, management and outcomes of traumatic cervical spinal-cord and spine injuries: a systematic review of 1645 pooled cases

INTRODUCTION

Cervical spine (mostly atlanto-axial) accounts for over half of the acute traumatic disruptions of the spinal cord and its coverings; alongside its persisting neurological deficits. Two-thirds of the etiology were fairly evenly distributed between traffic crashes, falls, assault and other occupation-related injuries. We described the etiological mechanisms, neuro-anatomical level, severity, treatment and outcomes of traumatic cervical spinal-cord and spine injuries (C-SCI+SI).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We systematically reviewed PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL on 16th May 2023, using a prospectively registered protocol (CRD42023417530). The search strategy combined search words (from the keywords; "cervical spinal cord injury," "conservative" and "operative" "treatment") using Boolean operators. These yielded 787 and 55 records from PubMed (then 223 after delimiting to 10 years) and CENTRAL respectively; after records screening, 106 and 1 record were relevant respectively. Seventy-six reports were recruited for the quasi-quantitative synthesis following full-text review and methodological quality/bias assessment (using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Seventy-six reports yielded 1645 pooled cases. Weighted-mean age (N.=1512) was 46.3 years, with male (70.2%; gender N.=1525) preponderance. C-SCI+SI were mostly caused (N.=1079) by falls (42.1%) and road traffic crashes (42.2%); presenting(N.=178) with neck pain (71.4%) mostly and under one-fifth had neurological deficits (-plegias or -paresis, 11.8%; radiculopathy, 6.2%). The commonest vertebral levels (N.=1525) were 23.9% for the second cervical vertebra (c2), c5(20.4%) and c6(20.0%). Treatment (N.=1297) was combined pre-operative non-operative [skull traction (72.0%/842), cervical collar (13.9%/163)] in 90.2%, with solely non-operative (33.9%/439) options also used. Operative implant-based arthrodeses (66.2%/858) were done, using anterior (68.5%), posterior (20.2%/173) and combined (10.4%/89) approaches. Good bony fusion (89.0%) and clinical improvements (43.2%) were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Mostly low-level evidence showed C-SCI+SI occurring more amongst the middle-aged and men; following falls or road traffic crashes. The second, fifth and sixth cervical levels are mostly affected; with excellent post-intervention bony-union, with neurological improvements in two-fifths. Better international reporting standards are advocated.

Odontoid Fracture with Locked Posterolateral Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

CASE

Odontoid fractures with atlantoaxial dislocations are rare injuries. We report a case of a 41-year-old man with a Type 2 odontoid fracture with locket facet and posterolateral dislocation. He underwent single-stage C1-C4 posterior fixation and fusion, and at 2-year follow-up, he is symptom-free without any residual pain. Follow-up radiograph and CT scan show healed odontoid fracture with posterior fusion.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights successful management of a complex odontoid fracture by a single-stage posterior surgery. Closed reduction is usually unsuccessful, and open reduction using posterior approach is preferable.

Odontoid Fracture with Accompanying Severe Atlantoaxial Instability in Elderly Patients-Analysis of Treatment, Adverse Events, and Outcome

(1) Background: In elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures, accompanying severe atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is discussed as a marker possibly warranting more aggressive surgical therapy. This study aimed to characterize adverse events as well as the radiological and functional outcomes of surgical vs. conservative therapy in patients with odontoid fracture and AAI. (2) Methods: Patients aged 65 years and older with type II odontoid fracture and AAI treated were included. AAI was assumed if the mean subluxation across both atlantoaxial facet joints in the sagittal plane was greater than 50%. Data on demographics, comorbidities, treatment, adverse events, radiological, and functional outcomes were analyzed. (3) Results: Thirty-nine patients were included. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in conservatively treated patients compared to patients with ventral or dorsal surgery. Adverse events occurred in 11 patients (28.2%), affecting 10 surgically treated patients (35.7%), and 1 conservatively treated patient (9.1%). Moreover, 25 patients were followed-up (64.1%). One secondary dislocation occurred in the conservative group (11.1%) and three in the surgical group (18.8%). (4) Conclusions: Despite the potential for instability in this injury, conservative treatment does not seem to lead to unfavorable short-term results, less adverse events, and a shorter hospital stay and should thus be considered and discussed with patients as a treatment option, even in the presence of severe AAI.

Traumatic Posterior Atlantoaxial Dislocation With an Associated Fracture: A Systematic Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, patients' characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation with fracture (TPAD).

BACKGROUND

TPAD is an extremely rare entity, with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Although rare, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis and management of such cases is required due to the high risk of spinal cord compression and the severity of neurological deficits. We conducted a systematic review of all cases of TPAD with fractures reported in the literature.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Relevant literature was retrieved from the Pubmed database. All published English-written studies involving human subjects with relevant data regarding TPAD were included.

RESULTS

Two case series and 20 case reports published between 1924 and 2021 describing 28 patients with TPAD were included. The median age at presentation was 51.5 years, with male predominance (83%). The most common fracture pattern was Anderson and D'alonzo type II odontoid fracture (78%). Neurological exam at presentation was intact in 52% of patients. The primary diagnostic imaging was computed tomography employed in 96% of cases. The management consisted of 2 stages protocol, initially, a temporary axial traction was employed (54%), and later definitive surgical treatment was employed (93%). The posterior surgical approach was favored in 82% of cases.

CONCLUSION

TPAD with fracture occurred in the majority of cases with Anderson and D'alonzo type II odontoid fracture, predominantly in males. Diagnosis is usually established based on computed tomography imaging; further imaging may not be indicated as it does not seem to alternate the patient's management course. Surgical intervention was employed in almost all cases, with favored results through posterior C1-C2 fusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level-IV.

Acute traumatic lateral atlantoaxial dislocation associated with locked atlas lateral mass and odontoid process fracture: A clinical case study and literature review

Background

Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation combined with locked atlas lateral mass and odontoid process fracture is a complex injury and is extremely rare. We describe the surgical technique by presenting a clinical case study in managing a traumatic lateral atlantoaxial dislocation combined with a locked atlas lateral mass and a type II odontoid fracture (Grauer type IIB).

Case description

This is a clinical case study of a 38-year-old female patient who presented with severe neck pain without neurological deficit following a traffic accident. Computed tomography showed a type IIB odontoid fracture and a lateral C1-C2 dislocation with a laterally locked left lateral mass at the C1-C2 level. Emergency management included protecting the cervical spine and applying gradually increasing skull traction. The locked lateral mass and laterally-dislocated C1-C2 facet joints were partially reduced. An intraoperative joint reduction operation with leverage technique was then performed. Posterior C1-C2 fixation (a modified Harms-Goel technique) and fusion with iliac bone graft were then executed.

Outcome

Postoperatively, neck pain improved significantly. The atlantoaxial joint was successfully reduced and stabilized. Solid bony fusion was confirmed by a radiographic study at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Based on a review of current literature, traumatic lateral atlantoaxial dislocation combined with a locked atlas lateral mass and type IIB odontoid fracture is rarely seen. It is an extremely unstable injury. Our proposed leverage technique used in conjunction with a modified Harms-Goel technique is an effective alternative treatment. This approach can assist surgeons in the management of these difficult cases.

Atlantoaxial Spondyloptosis with Type II Odontoid Fractures: A Report of 2 Cases

CASE

Two patients with delayed presentations of neck pain and fixed kyphotic deformity after trauma were found to have atlantoaxial spondyloptosis (AAS) with type II dens fractures. Owing to the rarity of AAS, outcomes and optimal treatment are not well understood. In both cases, closed reduction was achieved with a dynamic overhead traction setup, followed by posterior surgical stabilization with C1-2 screw fixation.

CONCLUSION

Closed reduction remains a challenge because of the marked deformity of interlocking C1-C2 joints. However, patients with chronic fixed atlantoaxial dislocation due to odontoid fractures can be safely managed with closed reduction and fusion of C1-C2.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Single door laminoplasty plus posterior fusion for posterior atlantoaxial dislocation with congenital malformation: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Posterior atlantoaxial dislocation (PAD) is a rare type of upper cervical spine disease. We sought to describe a unreported case of old PAD with os odontoideum (OO) and atlas hypoplasia (AH) and our unique treatment approach consisting of C1 single door laminoplasty with C1-3 posterior fixation and fusion.

CASE SUMMARY

A 70-year-old male patient who suffered from progressive aggravating numbness and limb weakness for 4 years without trauma, was diagnosed with old PAD with OO and AH. The patient underwent closed reduction and C1 single door laminoplasty with C1-3 posterior fixation and fusion instead of C1 laminectomy with occipitocervical fusion. During the 3-year follow-up, he was able to walk by himself instead of using a wheelchair and with a ± 25° range of head rotation as well as a ± 10° range of flexion-extension. Three-year follow-up images showed satisfactory reduction and fusion.

CONCLUSION

C1 single door laminoplasty with cervical fusion in PAD combined with spinal cord compression could be a suitable and effective surgical option. Compared with laminectomy and occipitocervical fusion, it retains more cervical range of motion, has a smaller incision and provides an adequate bone grafting space for atlantoaxial fusion.

Management of post-traumatic craniovertebral junction dislocation: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of casereports

Although historically considered fatal, with the advent of improved pre-hospital care, traumatic dislocation of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) has been increasing in prevalence in neurosurgical centers. As more survivors are reported each year, a timely review with meta-analysis of their management seems necessary. PRISMA checklist was followed step by step. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using words “craniovertebral junction dislocation” and their corresponding synonyms. Study eligibility criteria included research studies from 2015 onwards that delineated adult and pediatric patients with confirmed post-traumatic atlantooccipital dislocation (AOD) or atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) who survived until proper treatment. Of 1475 initial records, 46 articles met eligibility criteria with a total of 141 patients with traumatic CVJ dislocation. Of the patients, 90 were male (63.8%). Mean age of the cohort was 33.3 years (range 1–99 years). Trauma that most often led to this injury was road traffic accident (70.9%) followed by falls (24.6%). The majority of authors support posterior instrumentation of C1-C2 (45.2%) especially by means of Goel-Harms method. At mean follow-up of 15.4 months (range 0.5–60 months), 27.2% of treated patients remained neurologically intact. Of initially symptomatic, 59% improved, 37% were stable, and 4% deteriorated. Instrumenting the occiput in cases of pure AAD was associated with lower chance of neurological improvement in chi-square test (p = 0.0013) as well as in multiple linear regression (β = − 0.3; p = 0.023). The Goel-Harms C1-C2 fusion is currently the most frequently employed treatment. Many survivors remain with no deficits or improve, rarely deteriorate. Involving the occiput in stabilization in cases of AAD without AOD might be related with worse neurological prognosis.

Treatment of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation using one-stage retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction

INTRODUCTION

Irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD) has been challenging for spine surgeons. Various methods have been used to treat IAAD, but no consensus has been reached. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD.

METHODS

From March 2007 to May 2015, 13 patients diagnosed with IAAD underwent anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and sequential posterior reduction and fixation. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were retrospectively recorded.

RESULTS

The surgeries were accomplished successfully. The mean operative time was about 3.8 h. The mean estimated blood loss was about 130 mL. The patients experienced postoperative pharyngeal pain. Only one patient had a vague voice and increased oral discharge postoperatively. At the final follow-up, JOA scores had significantly increased (p < 0.05), and all the patients had solid bony fusion.

CONCLUSION

The present study reinforces the efficacy and safety of anterior submandibular retropharyngeal release and posterior reduction and fixation for IAAD. It can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes and is safe for experienced spine surgeons.

Traumatic Anterior Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation (Type III) Associated with Type III Odontoid Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

A 47-year-old man presented with traumatic anterior atlantoaxial subluxation (type III) associated with type III odontoid fracture with no neurological deficit. He was managed surgically with posterior reduction and C1-C2 fixation and fusion. The association of anterior atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (Fielding type III) with odontoid fracture (Anderson and D'Alonzo type III) is rare with only 7 reported cases in recent literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This report adds important information regarding the management and presentation of such an injury and also describes a serious complication associated with type III odontoid fractures, which was managed conservatively.

Traumatic posterior Atlanto-axial dislocation: case report of an atypical C1-C2 dislocation with an anterior arch fracture of C1

Background

An atypical case of a traumatic posterior C1-C2 dislocation with an anterior arch fracture of C1 is reported. A novel conservative treatment for this rare lesion is described.

Case presentation

An eighty-nine-year-old male fell off a ladder at home and presented with an acute traumatic cervical spine trauma, which we believe involved a distraction mechanism. The patient was neurologically intact; he denied any weakness, numbness or paresthesia. A preoperative CT-scan demonstrated a posterior dislocation with an anterior arch of C1 fracture. Conservative management was elected. Reduction was achieved by closed manual reduction under general anesthesia. A postoperative CT demonstrated a complete reduction of the atlanto-axial dislocation.

Conclusion

Based on this case report and relevant literature, we present an unusual lesion of the upper cervical spine treated nonoperatively with closed manual reduction under general anesthesia. To date, there is no available consensus for the management of these lesions.

Traumatic C1-2 posterolateral dislocation with dens fracture, injury of the transverse atlantal ligament, and unilateral facet fracture with subluxation of C6-7: A case report

RATIONALE

Traumatic C1-2 dislocation associated with contiguous or noncontiguous cervical spine injury is rare. Moreover, there have been no reports describing traumatic C1-2 dislocation associated with multiple contiguous and noncontiguous cervical injuries.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The authors present a case of a 20-year-old male with painful limitation of motion of the neck. This complex cervical injury occurred due to hyperextension of the head in a rotated position. The patient complained of neck pain that radiated to the left shoulder and arm, but he did not exhibit any neurological abnormalities.

DIAGNOSES

The diagnosis of the patients was traumatic C1-2 posterolateral dislocation associated with type II dens fracture (Anderson and D'Alonzo classification), type II injury of the transverse atlantal ligament (Dickman classification), and unilateral facet fracture with subluxation of C6-7.

INTERVENTIONS

The C1-2 posterolateral dislocation with type II dens fracture was successfully reduced by skull traction. The patient underwent anterior discectomy, open reduction, and fusion with plate fixation of C6-7 followed by posterior segmental fixation and fusion of C1-2.

OUTCOMES

At his postoperative 1-year follow-up, solid fusion was noted with improvement of clinical symptoms. This is the first report of traumatic C1-2 posterolateral dislocation associated with multiple C2 injuries and noncontiguous subaxial cervical injury.

LESSONS

A high index of suspicion and careful evaluation of entire cervical spine should be considered as the key to the proper diagnosis and treatment of traumatic C1-2 dislocation associated with contiguous and noncontiguous cervical injuries.