Posterior arch C-1 screw technique: a cadaveric comparison study

Morbidity and mortality related to type II odontoid fractures in octogenarians undergoing surgery: a retrospective study with 5 year follow up

Introduction

The prevalence of trauma is increasing in the geriatric population. The optimal therapy for type II odontoid fractures in the elderly is controversial. This study aims to assess the morbidity and mortality associated with odontoid fractures in octogenarians undergoing C1/C2 posterior screw fixation and describe the perioperative and post-operative complications and risk factors associated with mortality.

Materials and methods

Electronic medical records from a single institution pertaining to the period between September 2005 and December 2020 were retrieved. Data on patient demographics, neurological conditions, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, and 90-day mortality were collected.

Results

Over a 16-year period, 60 patients aged ≥80 years diagnosed with type II odontoid fractures were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 85.0 ± 1.9 years. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was >6 indicating a poor baseline reserve (8.5 ± 1.9), while cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent among comorbidities. The mean surgical duration was 217.5 ± 65.9 min, with a mean blood loss of 725.5 ± 275.7 mL. The in-hospital was 5-0% and the 90-day mortality rates increased at 10.0%. No revision surgery was needed in any of the cases. Intraoperative and post-operative X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed correct screw placement. Proper alignment of the atlantoaxial spine and fusion could be achieved in all cases. The unique risk factors for mortality included the presence of comorbidities and the occurrence of post-operative complications.

Conclusion

The complication and mortality rates associated with odontoid fractures in octogenarians are relatively high. However, the therapeutic goals in this population also include bone union and preservation of neurological status. Despite the often-high comorbidity rate, we still recommend that surgery should be considered in patients over 80 years. However, it is necessary to evaluate several approaches when treating such frail patients.

Nuance in Craniovertebral Junction Surgical Approach for Posterior C1-C2 Harms Stabilization: "Window Transposition" of the External Vertebral Venous Plexus for Bloodless C1 Lateral Mass Screw Insertion: Anatomical Aspects and Technical Notes

Atlas and axis instrumentation may be necessary in cases of several craniocervical junction pathologies. According to the Harms technique, C1-C2 polyaxial screws are inserted respectively in the C1 lateral masses and in C2 pedicles. C1 lateral mass screw insertion requires the careful subperiosteal dissection of the posterior elements of C1, the identification of the screw entry point by the downward distraction of C2 nerve root, and the cautious sparing of the overlying posterior external vertebral venous plexus (peVVP), whose bleeding, obstructing the surgical field, is sometimes barely controlled by hemostatic agents and swabbing. The authors describe in detail the anatomical aspects of an alternative surgical technique developed for the microsurgical transposition of the C1-C2 interposed external vertebral venous plexus in the case of Harms C1-C2 screw stabilization. The longitudinal median incision of the atlantoaxial membrane, followed by bilateral subperiosteal dissection and microsurgical section respectively at the inferior borders of the C1 laminae and at the superior borders of the C2 laminae, allows, as a "window opening," the symmetrical mediolateral transposition of the peVVP. This procedure provides a faster and cleaner anatomical exposition of the posterior surface of the C1 lateral mass and the C2 isthmus, preventing troublesome intraoperative venous bleeding that hinders C1 lateral mass screw insertion.

Morbidity and Mortality in Patients over 90 Years of Age Following Posterior Stabilization for Acute Traumatic Odontoid Type II Fractures: A Retrospective Study with a Mean Follow-Up of Three Years

Odontoid type II fractures represent the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly. The decision for surgical treatment in very elderly patients is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality in patients over 90 years of age undergoing CT-guided posterior stabilization for unstable odontoid type II fractures. A total of 15 patients with an acute traumatic odontoid type II fracture who received surgical treatment for unstable odontoid type II fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Complications, morbidity, and mortality as well as length of ICU and hospital stay were determined. Clinical follow-up evaluation was based on outpatient presentation and information from family members and general practitioners. Finally, we conducted a comparison of complications rates between patients over 90 years of age and patients between 65 and 89 years old with a type II odontoid fracture after CT-guided posterior stabilization in our institution. The mean age was 91.4 years. Patients were predominately female (87%). In-hospital deaths did not occur. The average length of the hospital stay was 13.4 days and 1.9 days for the ICU. Blood transfusion was necessary in two patients (13%). Two patients (13%) developed urinary tract infection, one patient (7%) a delirium, and another epistaxis (7%). One patient (7%) developed pneumonic sepsis and fully recovered within several weeks. The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 9–72 months). Implant-related complications developed in one patient (7%). Five patients died during the follow-up period, with an average time to death of 26.6 months. Postoperative bracing was not needed in any of the patients. Posterior stabilization of unstable odontoid fractures type II using CT-guided navigation in patients over 90 years of age is a safe and effective procedure with low complications and mortality rates.

Modified C1 lateral mass screw insertion using a threaded K-wire. A technical note

Instrumented fixation of the C1-C2 motion segment is a standard surgical technique to stabilise that spinal segment. Instability at C1-C2 can arise from a number of conditions. Fixation of the C1 lateral mass usually involves dissection and exposure of the C2 nerve root and the posterior wall of the C2 lateral mass which can result in significant bleeding from the venous plexus. Whilst image guidance is increasing in accessibility, there are few public hospitals in Australia that have access to this technology. The authors describe their technique for insertion of a C1 lateral mass screw over a threaded K-wire to avoid extensive dissection of the C2 nerve root, reducing the risk of significant haemorrhage from the epidural venous plexus during the procedure. A retrospective analysis was undertaken on 18 consecutive patients who underwent C1-C2 instrumented fixation using this technique. Indications for C1-C2 instrumented fixation included traumatic injury (10 patients), failure of non-operative management of odontoid fractures (5 patients), pathological fractures of C2 (2 patients) and inflammatory conditions (1 patient). All patients underwent successful C1-C2 stabilisation using this technique. Blood loss did not exceed 400mls in any patient. There were no vertebral artery injuries and no patient experienced a neurological deterioration. The authors propose that their technique for insertion of a C1 lateral mass screw over a threaded K-wire is safe and effective with a low risk of neurological or vertebral artery injury. The technique may be considered as a slight modification of the Harm's procedure to reduce disturbance of the adjacent venous plexus and thereby reduction in intraoperative bleeding and operative time.

How to Transect the C2 Root for C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement: Case Series and Review of an Underappreciated Variable in Outcome

BACKGROUND

The techniques for atlantoaxial arthrodesis have been modified over the years, and placing C1 lateral mass screws is a modern approach. C2 neuropathy is a complication of concern; however, sacrifice of the C2 nerve is an accepted and often favored adjunct. The impact of the technique for cutting the C2 nerve is not adequately addressed in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes from a series of roots sacrificed during C1-2 fusion with attention to the C2 transection method.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from trauma patients who underwent C1 screw fixation for atlantoaxial fusion. Chart review was performed and outcome assessed through telephone surveys to patients who were at least 6 months postoperative. Quality of life, C2 nerve function, neck pain, and head pain were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-six roots were divided in 35 patients. There were no cases of occipital neuralgia at routine 3-month follow-up. Delayed telephone surveys were completed in 17 patients and exposed 4 cases of severe head/neck pain but none consistent with occipital neuralgia.

CONCLUSIONS

C2 neuralgia is rare when sharply dividing the C2 root with the aid of bipolar electrocautery at the midportion of the ganglion where it overlies the C1-2 joint. A literature review suggests the impact of the root sacrifice method is an underappreciated modifiable factor in outcome. In future reports, description of the root transection technique is imperative and trials comparing ganglionectomy versus transection proximal to the ganglion or through the ganglion should be considered.

A Modified Posterior C1/C2 Fusion Technique for the Management of Traumatic Odontoid Type II Fractures by Using Intraoperative Spinal Navigation: Midterm Results

OBJECTIVES

To assess midterm safety and efficacy of a modified Goel-Harms technique for the treatment of odontoid instabilities.

DESIGN

Longitudinal prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Urban Level 1 Trauma Center in Southwest Germany.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Orthopaedic and neurosurgical trauma patients older than 18 years admitted for ≤24 hours.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The outcome was evaluated with respect to neurological outcome, radiological outcome and surgical complications. For the functional assessment, the EQ-5D questionnaire was used. Furthermore, the Neck Disability Index and visual analog scale for neck pain were determined. A median follow-up of 39 months (range: 6-97 months) was given.

RESULTS

Of the total sample (n = 56), 26 patients with an acute traumatic odontoid fracture type II underwent posterior atlantoaxial instrumentation using spinal navigation. Neck pain evaluated with visual analog scale and Neck Disability Index showed a significant decrease at final follow-up compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). According to the EQ-5D, the valuation of quality of life after C1/C2 fusion showed an excellent outcome with complete recovery in most cases (0.7-1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate satisfactory and maintained midterm clinical and radiological results after a median follow-up of 39 months. With the use of intraoperative spinal navigation, we demonstrate a modified C1/C2 posterior fusion technique, rendering accuracy, feasibility, and overall safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.