Jefferson fracture as sport injury in weight-lifting athlete: A rare case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Cervical spine fractures are rare in sports, but their potentially grave consequences mean that they must be given special attention. The aim of this study was to present the case of a recreational athlete with a fracture of C1 resulting from weightlifting.

CASE PRESENTATION

Young, recreational athlete came with severe neck pain right after weightlifting. There was no neurologic deficits occurred. X ray and CT scan examination showed complete fracture of the right posterior and anterior arch of C1 and disruptions of the right transverse foramen and ligament. MRI revealed no sign of impingement or compromised canal. Patient was then treated conservatively with sternal occipital mandibular immobilizer (SOMI) brace for 4 weeks. Thereafter, the neck pain resolved gradually. No neurologic deterioration occurred. At time of brace removal, patient was free of pain with normal motoric and sensory function.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Our case was the first report of a Jefferson fracture caused by a direct injury mechanism due to the weightlifting sport. The type III Jefferson fracture produced by this contrary injury mechanism showed that with adequate force, another spectrum of injury mechanisms may be created.

CONCLUSION

With adequate assessment and proper patient selection, Jefferson fracture can be treated effectively by SOMI brace with excellent functional outcomes.

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Syndrome in Extension: Insights into Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND

Rotational vertebrobasilar artery syndrome, or bow hunter syndrome, is a rare yet well-documented pathology. This study presents a surgical approach to a latent manifestation of dynamic, extension-only, bilateral codominant vertebral artery compression in the V3 segment, associated with craniocervical instability and central canal stenosis.

METHODS

The clinical presentation involves the treatment of positional vertigo resulting from left and high-grade right vertebral artery stenosis during neck extension only. Diagnosis was confirmed through a formal angiogram under provocative maneuvers. Surgical intervention, detailed in this section, employed a multidisciplinary approach, including intraoperative angiograms to ensure patent vertebral arteries precraniocervical fusion.

RESULTS

The surgical treatment demonstrated success in addressing extension-only vertebrobasilar syndrome and associated complications of C1-2 pannus and craniocervical instability. Intraoperative angiograms confirmed vertebral artery patency pre- and postsurgical positioning, ensuring the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes by highlighting the successful multidisciplinary surgical treatment of a patient with nonunion of a C1 Jefferson fracture, leading to extension-only vertebrobasilar syndrome complicated by C1-2 pannus and craniocervical instability. The importance of considering vertebral artery dynamic stenosis in cases of positional vertigo or transient neurological symptoms following an injury is emphasized. Surgical stabilization, particularly when conservative measures prove ineffective, is recommended, with careful attention to pre- and postsurgical positioning to verify vertebral artery patency and posterior vasculature integrity.

Posterior Temporary C1-2 Pedicle Screws Fixation for the Treatment of Unstable C1-2 Complex Fractures: Minimum of 2-Year Follow-Up

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

OBJECTIVES

To present rarely reported complex fractures of the upper cervical spine (C1-C2) and discuss the clinical results of the posterior temporary C1-2 pedicle screws fixation for C1-C2 stabilization.

METHODS

A total of 19 patients were included in the study (18 males and 1 female). Their age ranged from 23 to 66 years (mean age of 39.6 years). The patients were diagnosed with complex fractures of the atlas and the axis of the upper cervical spine and underwent posterior temporary C1-2 pedicle screws fixation. The patients underwent a serial postoperative clinical examination at approximately 3, 6, 9 months, and annually thereafter. The neck disability index (NDI) and the range of neck rotary motion were used to evaluate the postoperative clinical efficacy of the patients.

RESULTS

The average operation time and blood loss were 110 ± 25 min and 50 ± 12 ml, respectively. The mean follow-up was 38 ± 11 months (range 22 to 60 months). The neck rotary motion before removal, immediately after removal, and the last follow-up were 68.7 ± 7.1°, 115.1 ± 11.7°, and 149.3 ± 8.9° (P < 0.01). The NDI scores before and after the operation were 42.7 ± 4.3, 11.1 ± 4.0 (P < 0.01), and the NDI score 2 days after the internal fixation was removed was 7.3 ± 2.9, which was better than immediately after the operation (P < 0.01), and 2 years after the internal fixation was removed. The NDI score was 2.0 ± 0.8, which was significantly better than 2 days after the internal fixation was taken out (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior temporary screw fixation is a good alternative surgical treatment for unstable C1-C2 complex fractures.

Speech-language Pathology Rehabilitation in a Case of Jefferson Fracture Complicated with Lower Cranial Nerve Palsies

A 68-year-old man presented with a Jefferson fracture leading to lower cranial nerve palsies affecting the ninth, tenth, and twelfth cranial nerves with a traumatic basilar impression. On the X day, the patient underwent occipitocervical posterior fixation surgery; the surgery was uneventful. However, just after the surgery, epipharyngeal palsy and airway obstruction occurred. Consequently, tracheostomy was needed. On the X+8 day, speech-language pathology (SLP) therapy was initiated for decannulation. On the X+21 day, the patient could clear all the checkpoints and was decannulated. On the X+36 day, the patient was discharged home and SLP therapy was continued. On the X+171 day, his SLP therapy was halted. However, the patient continued to complain that he could not speak as fast as before, and his quality of life remained compromised. Some studies reported that lower cranial nerve palsies affecting the ninth to the twelfth cranial nerve occur in conjunction with Jefferson fractures. Thus, SLP therapy is crucial for Jefferson fracture cases.

Report of two cases of high cervical injury: an adequate functional result with timely surgical management

Introduction

Odontoid fractures correspond to 9-15% of cervical spine fractures. Atlas fracture is rare (3-13%)⁸.

Case presentation

Male with Anderson and D´Alonzo Type II Odontoid fracture with unstable fragment treated with occipitocervical fixation with occipital plate, C2-C3 transfacet screws; Female with type E Jefferson fracture + anterolateral atloaxial dislocation, treated with occipitocervical fixation, C2-C3-C4 transfacet screws.

Discussion

Anderson and D'Alonzo Type II fractures and Jefferson type E fractures are a surgical emergency due to instability and neurological deficit.

Surgical Versus Conservative Management for Treating Unstable Atlas Fractures: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

This multicenter study compared radiological parameters and clinical outcomes between surgical and nonsurgical management and investigated treatment characteristics associated with the successful management of unstable atlas fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 53 consecutive patients with unstable atlas fracture who underwent halo-vest immobilization (HVI) or surgical fixation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using neck visual analogue scale and disability index. The radiological assessment included total lateral mass displacement (LMD) and the anterior atlantodental interval (AADI).

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients underwent surgical fixation and 21 received HVI (mean follow-up, 24.9 months). In the surgical fixation, but not in the HVI, LMD, and AADI showed statistically significant improvements at the last follow-up. The osseous healing rate and time-to-healing were 100% and 14.3 weeks with surgical fixation, compared with 71.43% and 20.0 weeks with HVI, respectively. Patients treated with HVI showed poorer neck pain and neck disability outcomes than those who received surgical treatment. LMD showed an association with osseous healing outcomes in nonoperative management. Clinical outcomes and osseous healing showed no significant differences according to Dickman's classification of transverse atlantal ligament injuries.

CONCLUSION

Surgical internal fixation had a higher fusion rate, shorter fracture healing time, more favorable clinical outcomes, and a more significant reduction in LMD and AADI compared to nonoperative management. The pitfalls of external immobilization are inadequate maintenance and a lower probability of reducing fractured lateral masses. Stabilization by surgical reduction with interconnected fixation proved to be a more practical management strategy than nonoperative treatment for unstable atlas fractures.

Delayed Collet-Sicard syndrome after internal carotid dissection and Jefferson fracture. Case report and Review of Literature

Background:

Lower cranial nerve palsies, or Collet-Sicard syndrome, can be caused by many different etiologies including head trauma, basilar occipital fractures, tumors, and interventions. Few reports describe different presentations of this condition, and we present here a case study to increase awareness of and add to the variable spectrum.

Case Description:

A 56-year-old who had been hit while diving was admitted to our department. On examination, he was conscious without any signs of lateralization but presented with severe neck pain. CT brain and cervical spine revealed a C1 fracture with bilateral symmetrical fracture of the anterior and posterior arches (Jefferson’s fracture) and slight bilateral joint dislocation C1-C2 discreetly predominant on the left. One week later, he presented with dysarthria, dysphonia, swallowing disorder, anisocoria, tongue deviation, and palate deviation (XII, IX, and X). CT Angiography showed dissection of the internal carotid artery immediately after the carotid bulb. He has been treated conservatively with curative anticoagulants with stable symptoms. No surgical intervention had been proposed.

Conclusion:

Adding to the literature, delayed Collet-Sicard syndrome and lower cranial affection can be caused by missed carotid wall hematoma following severe craniocervical trauma associated with Jefferson’s fracture.

Pharyngeal perforation: A rare complication of occipitocervical injury

Background

Atlantoaxial dislocation is a rare injury following high-energy trauma. We report an undescribed complication of atlantoaxial dislocation.

Case Description

A 75-year-old man presented with atlantoaxial dislocation and Jefferson C1 fracture after a high-energy trauma. Occipitoaxial stabilizations were performed the day after. A nasopharyngeal fistula was identified at day 5 causing a persistent epistaxis.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal fistulization of C1 bony fragment is a rare complication of complex occipitocervical injury. Combined treatment with ENT surgeon should be considered.

Navigation-Guided Subaxial Cervical Pedicle Screws in Revision Spine Surgery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Traditionally, lateral mass screws (LMSs) have been the mainstay of posterior fixation in the subaxial spine. Although LMSs provide adequate fixation, cervical pedicle screws (CPSs) facilitate high fusion rates (90.5%) and provide for greater bone purchase, better reduction, lower rates of screw loosening or pull out, 2 times greater biomechanical advantage, superior stabilization, decreased development of pseudarthrosis, and decreased revision surgeries compared to LMSs.1-4 In addition, CPSs can be a powerful bail-out option after lateral mass construct failure. Navigation-guided CPS placement has been reported to have an accuracy of 90.3%.5 Navigation has the added advantage of mitigating screw malposition for the placement of CPS because of the smaller pedicle sizes and variability in cervical anatomy.1,3,6 The potential risks of subaxial CPS placement include the risks of vertebral artery injury, spinal cord injury, and injury to adjacent neurovasculature.2 The overall radiographic breach rate with intraoperative imaging is reported to range from 2.9% of 22.9%, with the majority of breaches occurring in the lateral direction.7,8 Despite radiographic breaches, the occurrence of nerve root injury (0.31% per screw), vertebral artery injury (0.15% per screw), and spinal cord injury (0% per screw) is rare.3,7 Here, we demonstrate navigation-assisted C1-C2 posterior fusion, with combined C1 LMSs and C2 pedicle screws with subaxial pedicle screw revision of prior failed instrumentation.3  The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary.

Navigation-Assisted Posterior Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in a C-CLAMP Fashion for an Isolated C1 Fracture

C1 fractures with an intact transverse ligament are usually treated conservatively. Patients who present with a progressive diastasis of bone fragments and a progressive articular subluxation mainly attributed to progressive lengthening of the transverse ligament (TAL) fibers can be treated with a C1 “C-clamp” fusion.

A 75-year-old male who sustained a motor vehicle accident was neurologically intact. A computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated a Jefferson's type-C1 fracture with a slight lateral displacement of the C1 left lateral mass (LM) and a rotatory subluxation on the right. MRI showed an intact TAL and demonstrated an isolated rupture of the left alar ligament. Conservative treatment was chosen. Radiographic follow-up showed, at 3 months, progressive lateral mass displacement, most likely due to elongation of the TAL fibers; this was also associated with a persistent mechanical neck pain. For this reason, we performed a posterior reduction and internal fixation in a C-clamp fashion by placement of C1 lateral mass screws and posterior compression sparing the C1–2 joint. Using navigation, a 3.5-mm screw was inserted into the LM bilaterally. The screw heads were then connected with a rod and compression was applied before tightening. Postoperative CT scan demonstrated a satisfying reduction and further imaging will be made during the follow-up. The patient had a considerable relief of neck pain. Simple lateral mass fixation with C-clamp technique is a reasonable option in case of isolated C1 fractures in patients who have failed conservative management while preserving the range of motion (ROM) at the atlanto–axial joint.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/x8bsVwzCt_M .

"Split atlas" in a trauma and nontrauma patient: two different case reports for a rare congenital malformation

Congenital atlas abnormalities are rare and often asymptomatic findings, accidentally detected in trauma and, more rarely, in nontrauma patients. Rachischisis in both anterior and posterior atlas arches, condition defined as ‘‘split atlas,” is extremely uncommon and it may well be confused with fracture. Being able to discriminate between these 2 conditions is an essential step in patient care management. In this article, we report 2 cases of split atlas ascertained in both trauma and nontrauma patients. The first concerning a 54-year-old man fell from a 2 m scaffold, and the second related to a 25-year-old woman suffering from treatment-resistant headaches. Subsequently we proceed to analyse the embryology of these abnormalities, and later to discuss pitfalls, tips and tricks useful to a correct diagnosis, in order to achieve an accurate management of split atlas. Specifically, we outline the crucial radiological features to identify, that are beneficial to an efficient differential diagnosis between congenital atlas abnormalities and fracture. These include smooth corticated margins of the cleft, and <3 mm lateral displacement of C1 lateral masses.

Hemiparesis resulting from an unusual C1 fracture: A case report and literature review

Background:

Jefferson fractures are burst fractures involving both the anterior and posterior arches of C1. They typically result from axial compression or hyperextension injuries. Most are stable, and neurological deficits are rare. They are often successfully treated with external immobilization, but require surgery (e.g., fusion/ stabilization).

Case Description:

An 89-year-old male presented with a left-sided hemiplegia following a trivial fall. The cervical computed tomography scan revealed a left-sided displaced comminuted C1 fracture involving the arch and lateral mass. The MR revealed posterior cord compression and focal myelomalacia. Six months following an emergent C1–C3 decompression with occiput to C4 instrumented fusion, the patient was neurologically intact and pain-free.

Conclusion:

An 89-year-old male presented with a left-sided hemiplegia due to a Type 3/4 C1 Jefferson fracture. Following posterior C1–C3 surgical decompression with C0–C4 instrumented fusion, the patient sustained a complete bilateral motor recovery.

Classic but unexpected: a case of Jefferson fracture

A man was found lying dead next to a ladder, with only a laceration surrounded by an abrasion visible upon external examination. No skull fractures were palpable. A CT scan and MRI showed a Jefferson fracture of the atlas, associated to a posterior displacement of the skull, a fracture of the dens of the axis, and fractures of the bodies of C5 and C6. Jefferson fractures typically result from a blow to the apex of the skull. In such cases, forensic pathologists should suspect the existence of a Jefferson fracture, particularly when no severe injuries are visible externally.

Why you should wear your seatbelt on an airplane: Burst fracture of the atlas (jefferson fracture) due to in-flight turbulence

The Jefferson fracture is a burst-type fracture to the atlas first described in 1919, characterized by anterior and posterior fractures of the weak C1 ring caused by a sudden axial load to the vertex of the skull. Here we report a Jefferson fracture caused by head trauma due to mid-flight turbulence in an unrestrained 56-year-old male airline passenger. Imaging revealed a comminuted burst fracture of the atlas with an avulsion fracture of the transverse atlantal ligament. The patient was treated conservatively in a Miami-J collar with close clinical and radiographic follow-up. Lateral flexion-extension radiographs demonstrated fracture stability, and clinically the patient lacked pain or neurologic symptoms at 12 weeks from injury. To our knowledge this is the first report of a Jefferson fracture caused by axial compression attributable to in-flight turbulence. Traditionally associated with automobile crashes and diving headfirst into shallow pools, the axial load results in a compressive force to the atlas and subsequent lateral separation of the two halves of the C1 vertebral ring. The purpose of this case study is to alert providers, aircraft personnel, and passengers of the inherent risk of air travel and the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times, describe the signs and symptoms of this often-overlooked fracture, and provide general treatment guidelines based on radiographic assessments of fracture stability.

Comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes after surgical reduction with fixation or halo-vest immobilization for treating unstable atlas fractures

BACKGROUND

Unstable atlas fractures with concomitant transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) injury may be conservatively managed by halo-vest immobilization (HVI) or surgically treated by various fixation techniques. Many surgeons prefer surgical management due to complications, nonunion, and further dislocations with HVI. There are no comparative studies on surgical and nonsurgical management of unstable atlas fractures. We retrospectively assessed the radiological and clinical outcomes of surgical reduction with fixation vs. non-operative treatments for unstable atlas fractures with TAL rupture.

METHODS

We analyzed records of 24 patients (15 men, 9 women; mean age, 48.3 years) with at least 1 year of follow-up. They underwent HVI or surgical reduction with fixation for unstable atlas fracture combined with TAL injury. Clinical outcomes, including neck visual analog scale and neck disability index (NDI), and radiological measurements, including degree of fracture displacement, atlantodental interval (ADI), range of motion (ROM), cervical alignment, fusion rate, and time-to-fusion, were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 24 patients, 13 were treated by surgical reduction with fixation (C1 lateral mass screw-C2 pedicle screw with a cross-link) and 11 by HVI. A significant reduction in lateral displacement of fractured lateral masses was identified in surgical reduction with fixation (3.21 ± 1.21 mm) compared with HVI (0.97 ± 2.69 mm). The mean reduction in ADI was 1.47 ± 1.08 mm with surgical fixation and 0.66 ± 1.02 mm with HVI. The bony rate and time-to-fusion were 100% and 14.91 ± 3.9 weeks with surgical reduction, and 72.7% and 22.31 ± 10.85 weeks with HVI. The postoperative neck pain relief and NDI after surgical fixation were higher than those after HVI.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with HVI, surgical reduction with fixation reduces fractured lateral mass displacements, increases fusion rate, and reduces time-to-fusion while maintaining cervical curvature and improving neck pain and daily activities.

Cerebellar infarction after posterior direct reduction and fixation to treat an unstable Jefferson fracture: a case report

A 42-year-old man had an unstable Jefferson type IV atlas fracture with unilateral vertebral artery occlusion after a diving accident. We performed C1-ring reconstruction with a crosslink rod and C2 fixation to directly reduce the fracture fissure. Within 6 h, cerebellar hemisphere infarction developed. After decompressive craniectomy, duroplasty, and release of the vertebral artery occlusion caused by the transfixing rod, a postoperative computed tomography angiogram showed that blood flow in the right vertebral artery improved. We suggest cautiously inserting screws into the fractured C1 lateral mass and gently tightening the crosslink rod to prevent distal migration of a thrombus.

Management of Isolated Atlas Fractures: A Retrospective Study of 65 Patients

BACKGROUND

Jefferson fractures, or burst fractures of the C1 vertebra, can be managed surgically or conservatively, depending on their stability.

METHODS

We identified all patients who were treated for a C1 fracture at our institution between 1999 and 2016 for retrospective analysis. Patients with any other concurrent cervical fractures or nontraumatic etiology of fracture were excluded. Stability was defined as either lateral mass displacement ≥7 mm on computed tomography or presence of transverse atlantal ligament disruption on magnetic resonance imaging. We collected data on patients' demographic, clinical, and radiographic presentation and identified variables independently associated with instability at presentation and failure to achieve fusion at follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 65 patients. On multivariable regression, instability at presentation was independently associated with atlantodens interval (odds ratio [OR] 2.357, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.0629-1.271], P = 0.099) and type 3 fracture (OR 6.081, 95% CI [1.068-34.612], P = 0.042). Failure to achieve fusion was independently associated with age (OR 1.226, 95% CI [1.007-1.495], P = 0.043), motor vehicle collision as mechanism of injury (OR 22834.3, 95% CI [3.135-1.66e8], P = 0.027), and type 2 fracture (OR 168.537, 95% CI [1.743-16292.92], P = 0.028). Type 3 fracture was positively associated with halo vest for management (OR 17.171, 95% CI [2.882-102.289], P = 0.002) and negatively associated with a rigid cervical collar for management (OR 0.0616, 95% CI [0.0104-0.3653], P = 0.002). All 4 patients who underwent surgery presented with unstable fracture (P = 0.0187).

CONCLUSIONS

Atlantodens interval, mechanism of injury, and fracture type affect Jefferson fracture management decisions and outcomes, including instability at presentation and fusion at follow-up. Most fractures were managed nonsurgically regardless of stability.

Anterior transarticular C1-C2 fixation with contralateral screw insertion: a report of two cases and technical note

PURPOSE

Anterior transarticular fixation of the C1-C2 vertebrae is a well-known technique that involves screw insertion through the body of the C2 vertebra into the lateral masses of the atlas through an anterior transcervical approach. Meanwhile, contralateral screw insertion has been previously described only in anatomical studies.

METHODS

We describe two case reports of the clinical application of this new technique.

RESULTS

In Case 1, the patient was diagnosed with an unstable C1 fracture. The clinical features of the case did not allow for any type of posterior atlantoaxial fusion, Halo immobilization, or routine anterior fixation using the Reindl and Koller techniques. The possible manner of screw insertion into the anterior third of the right lateral mass was via a contralateral trajectory, which was performed in this case. Case 2 involved a patient with neglected posteriorly dislocated dens fracture who could not lie in the prone position due to concomitant cardiac pathology. Reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation was insufficient, even after scar tissue resection at the fracture, while transdental fusion was not possible. Considering the success of the previous case, atlantoaxial fixation was performed through the small approach, using the Reindl technique and contralateral screw insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

These two cases demonstrate the potential of anterior transarticular fixation of C1-C2 vertebrae in cases where posterior atlantoaxial fusion is not achievable. This type of fixation can be performed through a single approach if one screw is inserted using the Reindl technique and another is inserted via a contralateral trajectory.

Computer-aided analysis for optimal screw insertion in lateral mass of C1: An anatomical study

INTRODUCTION

Motion preserving techniques in C1 ring fractures are increasingly used especially in young patients. Therefore, lateral mass screws are inserted in the first vertebra and connected by a rod. The purpose of this study was to determine safe zones regarding the vertebral arteries and the medulla oblongata for optimal lateral mass screw positioning when fusing the C1-ring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Images of the cervical spine of 50 patients (64-line CT scanner) were evaluated and virtual screws were positioned in both lateral masses of the first vertebra using 3D-reconstructions of CT scans. The length of the screws, the insertion angles in two planes, the distance to the vertebral artery, and the spinal canal was investigated. Descriptive statistics was used and gender-dependent differences were calculated using student t-test. A diameter of 4 mm was chosen for the screws.

RESULTS

The mean screw length was 30.0 ± 2.3 mm on the right and 30.1 ± 2.1 mm on the left side. The arithmetic mean for the transverse angle was 16.4 ± 5.6° on the right and 15.6 ± 6.3° on the left, the sagittal angle averaged 8.3 ± 3.8° on the right, and 11.0 ± 4.9° on the left side. The mean distance between screw and spinal canal has been determined on the right with 2.4 ± 0.7 mm and 2.2 ± 0.6 mm on the left side. The distance from the C1 lateral mass screw to the vertebral artery was on average 7.1 ± 1.5 mm on the right side (significant correlation with gender, p value: 0.03) and 7.4 ± 1.4 mm on the left side.

CONCLUSIONS

Screws should be positioned with a slightly converging angle of 16° and a slightly ascending angle of 10°. Due to the required high precision technique intraoperatively multiplanar 2 D or 3 D imaging is recommended to avoid harm to the vertebral artery or the spinal canal.

C1 fractures: a review of diagnoses, management options, and outcomes

The atlas is subject to fracture under axial load, often due to traumatic injuries such as shallow dives and automobile accidents. These fractures account for 2-13 % of injuries to the cervical spine [Marcon RM et al. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 68(11):1455-61, 2013]. Fractures of the C1 vertebra are often difficult to diagnose, as there is often no neurological deficit or easily identifiable findings on radiographs. However, injuries to the atlas can be associated with vertebral artery injury and atlantoaxial or atlanto-occipital instability, making prompt and accurate diagnosis imperative. A detailed understanding of the anatomy, inherent stability, and common injury patterns is essential for any surgeon treating spinal trauma. This chapter explores the diagnosis and management of C1 fractures, as well as outcomes after treatment.

A retrospective review of fixation of C1 ring fractures--does the transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) really matter?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

In contrast to the majority of outcome data, many consider C1 fractures to be benign injuries and so have advocated for conservative management, except in the case of concomitant transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) injury where C1-C2 or occiput-C2 fusions are recommended.

PURPOSE

Our goal was to evaluate a series of unstable C1 fractures treated with C1 open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes by determining the success of reduction and pain relief.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a retrospective cohort review.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The sample includes adult patients with unstable C1 fractures treated with open reduction and primary internal fixation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measures included visual analog pain scale (VAS), radiographic reduction (lateral mass displacement), maintenance of reduction, C1-C2 instability, and complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with C1 fractures between September 2002 and September 2013 identified 12 consecutive patients from a level I trauma center who were treated with primary internal fixation without fusion. Electronic medical records and preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. The surgical technique consisted of a posterior cervical approach to the C1 arch and open reduction using bilateral C1 lateral mass screws connected transversely with a rod. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography scans were used to assess reduction. Long-term follow-up flexion and extension radiographs were used to assess C1-C2 stability. The authors did not receive relevant funding in relation to this research.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent C1 ORIF, with a mean age of 43 (9 males and 3 females) and a mean follow-up of 17 months. Transverse atlantal ligament was found to be disrupted with type I or type II injury in 11 of the 12 patients: 5 type I and 6 type II. Preoperative lateral mass displacement averaged 7.1 mm, with postoperative displacement after reduction averaging 2.4 mm (p-value <.001). The VAS score averaged 0.7 at latest follow-up. No patients went on to develop C1-C2 instability on final flexion-extension films. No patients had a complication that resulted in neurologic deficit or vascular injury associated with the procedure. No patients were found to have late sequelae of malunion or loss of reduction. Two surgically related complications occurred, namely one patient with errant screw requiring return to the operating room (OR) and one with arthrosis of the occipital-C1 joint.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a small series, early evidence suggests that patients with unstable C1 ring fractures can be successfully managed with primary ORIF. Open reduction and internal fixation results in a stable construct that maintains reduction, results in excellent pain control, and does not lead to C1-C2 instability. In our series, we have not observed the presence of TAL injury to adversely affect outcomes, and thus do not believe it is a contraindication to ORIF. Comparative studies comparing internal fixation with non-operative, C1-C2, or occiput-C2 fusions would yield more insight into optimal treatment options for these fractures.

Collet-sicard syndrome in a patient with jefferson fracture

Collet-Sicard syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the unilateral paralysis of the 9th through 12th cranial nerves. We describe a case of a 46-year-old man who presented with dysphagia after a falling down injury. Computed tomography demonstrated burst fracture of the atlas. Physical examination revealed decreased gag reflex on the left side, decreased laryngeal elevation, tongue deviation to the left side, and atrophy of the left trapezius muscle. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) revealed frequent aspirations of a massive amount of thick liquid and incomplete opening of the upper esophageal sphincter during the pharyngeal phase. We report a rare case of Collet-Sicard syndrome caused by Jefferson fracture.

it's all in the history

This case study involves a patient who presented at a chiropractic clinic with an acute torticollis. Although preceding trauma was sincerely denied by the patient, a thorough case history with appropriate radiological investigation revealed a Jefferson fracture with an associated rupture of the osseous attachment of the transverse ligament.