Aims

We performed a retrospective, comparative study of elderly patients with an increased risk from anaesthesia who had undergone either anterior screw fixation (ASF) or halo vest immobilisation (HVI) for a type II odontoid fracture.

Ventral screw osteosynthesis is a common surgical method for treating fractures of the odontoid peg, but there is still no consensus about the number and diameter of the screws to be used. The purpose of this study was to develop a more accurate measurement technique for the morphometry of the odontoid peg (dens axis) and to provide a recommendation for ventral screw osteosynthesis.

Images of the cervical spine of 44 Caucasian patients, taken with a 64-line CT scanner, were evaluated using the measuring software MIMICS. All measurements were performed by two independent observers. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to measure inter-rater variability.

The mean length of the odontoid peg was 39.76 mm (sd 2.68). The mean screw entry angle α was 59.45° (sd 3.45). The mean angle between the screw and the ventral border of C2 was 13.18° (sd 2.70), the maximum possible mean converging angle of two screws was 20.35° (sd 3.24). The measurements were obtained at the level of 66% of the total odontoid peg length and showed mean values of 8.36 mm (sd 0.84) for the inner diameter in the sagittal plane and 7.35 mm (sd 0.97) in the coronal plane. The mean outer diameter of the odontoid peg was 12.88 mm (sd 0.91) in the sagittal plane and 11.77 mm (sd 1.09) in the coronal plane. The results measured at the level of 90% of the total odontoid peg length were a mean of 6.12 mm (sd 1.14) for the sagittal inner diameter and 5.50 mm (sd 1.05) for the coronal inner diameter. The mean outer diameter of the odontoid peg was 11.10 mm (sd 1.0) in the sagittal plane and 10.00 mm (sd 1.07) in the coronal plane. In order to calculate the necessary screw length using 3.5 mm cannulated screws, 1.5 mm should be added to the measured odontoid peg length when anatomical reduction seems possible.

The cross-section of the odontoid peg is not circular but slightly elliptical, with a 10% greater diameter in the sagittal plane. In the majority of cases (70.5%) the odontoid peg offers enough room for two 3.5 mm cannulated cortical screws.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:536–42.

Purpose of the Study. At our Department, we prefer surgical treatment of all patients with Type II and III fractures of the dens, regardless of the age, with the exception of non-displaced fractures or perfectly reduced fractures in young patients. Material and Methods. We treated surgically 28 patients 65 years old and older with dens fractures. The group consisted of 13 men and 15 women with a mean age of 77.4 years (range, 65–90 years). According to the type of treatment, anterior srew fixation or posterior C1–C2 fixation, the whole cohort was divided into 2 groups that were subdivided into two age groups of patients 65–74 years old and 75 years old and older. The age group of patients 65–74 years old included 8 patients with a mean age of 68.5 years and the mean age of the age group of patients 75 and more years old was 81 years. The injury was caused in 22 cases by a fall, in 5 by a car accident. Only in 1 case the injury was caused differently. Neurological deficits were found in three patients, all of them Frankel D type. All patients with injury to the dens underwent radiograph examination in the lateral and transoral projections and CT scan including the sagittal and frontal reconstructions of the atlantoaxial complex and in most cases also MRI examination to eliminate injury to the transverse ligament of the atlas. Based on these examinations, the type of injury was determined and method of treatment indicated. Final retrospective evaluation of the patients was carried out at the interval of 12 to 78 months after the primary surgery (mean 31.3 months) taking into account aetiology of the injury, type of injury, neurological finding, method of treatment, union of the dens fracture line or, where appropriate, C1–C2 fusion, stability of the spine and the final outcome. Statistical analysis was based on X2-test. Results. Comparison of the two age groups showed a statistically significant difference in the mortality (p<0.05), with 0% in the younger group and 40% in the older group. In total, mortality within 6 weeks after the injury accounted for 28.6%. Comparison of surgical techniques revealed 21.4% mortality after anterior screw fixation of the dens and 35.7% mortality after posterior instrumented fusion. The difference was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Of the 20 surviving patients, 11 were treated with anterior screw fixation and 9 with posterior instrumented fusion. In the two groups there was only one case of nonunion of the dens (9.1%) and one fibrous callus in the region of C1–C2 fusion and the fracture line in the dens (11.1%). The difference was again insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusions. Active surgical treatment conduces considerably to the improvement of the quality of life of elderly patients after dens fractures. Surgical technique should be tailored to the patient's general condition, and osteoporosis and degenerative changes of the spine in particular. Mortality is influenced by the patient's age rather than by the surgical technique used. Elderly patients with a neurological deficit mostly die of associated diseases regardless of the method of treatment

Purpose. Anterior column screw fixation has been a useful tool in the management of acetabular fractures, either alone or in combination with other fixation techniques. Percutaneous insertion may be advantageous by limiting surgical dissection but little has been reported on its safety. The purpose of this study is to report on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous anterior column stabilization. Method. In a consecutive series of 122 operatively treated acetabular fractures, 56 patients were treated with antegrade percutaneous anterior column stabilization either alone or in combination with other fixation techniques by a single surgeon (JY). The technique was selected when the anterior column portion of the fracture was undisplaced or could be reduced via indirect methods. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to guide the placement of either a 6.5 mm or 7.3 mm cannulated antegrade anterior column lag screw. Postoperative radiographs (anteroposterior and Judet views) were obtained in the recovery room, prior to discharge and at clinic follow up. Results. The mean age of patients in the series was 52 years (range 17 91). Mean follow up was 13 months. There was one death from associated injuries. Based on the classification system described by Letournel, there were 22 anterior column, 8 transverse, 11 transverse / posterior wall, 9 anterior column / posterior hemitransverse, 1 associated both column and 5 T-type fractures. There were no vascular, neurologic, or urologic complications in the series. There were no cases of intraarticular screw placement. In two cases, the screw did not completely cross the entire fracture line on postoperative radiographs. There were no cases of hardware failure or loss of reduction. There were two cases of hardware removal for hardware prominence. There was one case of chronic proximal femur osteomyelitis, and two cases requiring subsequent total hip arthroplasty for associated injuries. All fractures healed. Conclusion. This study supports percutaneous anterior column stabilization as a safe and effective technique in the treatment of selected acetabular fractures

Purpose of the study: Data are scarce on the long-term outcome after anterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results obtained in a monocentric series using a single-phase fusion with pre-formed plates for the treatment of lumbar, thoracolum-bar and thoracic idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.

Material and method: This procedure was performed in 111 patients from 1975 to 1993. Complete clinical and radiological evaluations were available for 35 patients, 7 male and 28 female. The SRS-30 questionnaire (translated into French by the authors) and the Oswestry score were used to assess functional outcome. Radiographic data were collected by an independent observer who read the pre-, post- and last follow-up images. Full spine images were available to assess correction of the curvature, frontal and sagittal balance, pelvic parameters, and degenerative changes in the subjacent discs. Functional outcome was assessed in relation to the radiographic findings.

Results: Mean follow-up was 22 years (range 16–31). Mean age at surgery was 14.5 years. At last follow-up, none of the patients were unemployed because of a spinal problem and 21 women had had one or more successful pregnancies. The mean SRS-30 score was 3.8/5 and correlated with the Oswestry score (13.8%). One patient underwent revision for disc herniation and one for posterolateral lumbosacral fusion because of persistent frontal imbalance. There as a fracture of the proximal screw in six patients with no sign of nonunion. At last follow-up, the mean Cobb angle was 14 (0–42). Frontal imbalance was noted in 18 patients, mean 12 mm. In the sagittal plane, three patients presented anterior imbalance. The pelvic parameters were within the range of the general population. Signs of L5-S1 disc degeneration were noted in ten patients, with no correlation with functional outcome.

Conclusion: Anterior fusion gives good long-term functional results in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Patients can pursue a normal occupational and familial life. This technique has provided satisfactory correction in the frontal and sagittal planes.

We reviewed the outcome of a retrospective case series of eight patients with atlantoaxial instability who had been treated by percutaneous anterior transarticular screw fixation and grafting under image-intensifier guidance between December 2005 and June 2008. The mean follow-up was 19 months (8 to 27). All eight patients had a solid C1–2 fusion. There were no breakages or displacement of screws. All the patients with pre-operative neck pain had immediate relief from their symptoms or considerable improvement. There were no major complications. Our preliminary clinical results suggest that percutaneous anterior transarticulation screw fixation is technically feasible, safe, useful and minimally invasive when using the appropriate instruments allied to intra-operative image intensification, and by selecting the correct puncture point, angle and depth of insertion

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome is associated with multiple musculoskeletal manifestations including scoliosis, joint laxity, hip dyplasia and lower limb deformity. Scoliosis is reported in almost half of patients with Prader-Willi; however, only a small proportion ever have surgery. The literature suggests that surgery in this group of patients is often difficult. Obesity and apnea cause anaesthetic concern. The surgical procedure is reported as being complicated by excessive intra-operative blood loss, and difficulty with instrumentation; possibly as a result of osteopenia, is described. Purpose: To compare the experience of scoliosis surgery in Prader-Willi patients in our institution with that previously reported in the literature. Methods: The notes and x-rays of 6 patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had corrective scoliosis were reviewed. Results: Six patients (4 female and 2male) underwent corrective scoliosis surgery. The mean age at which scoliosis was detected in the patients was 5 years (range 2–7years). The mean Cobb angle at time of initial referral was 30° (range 8°–86°). Indication for surgery in all cases was curve progression. The mean age at time of surgery was 11.8 years (range 10–13years). The mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 70° (range 40°–90°) and mean post-operative Cobb angle was 23° (range 10°–40°). Three patients had posterior surgery with instrumentation, one had anterior instrumentation only and two patients had combined anterior release with posterior instrumentation. The most proximal instrumentation levels ranged from T2–T6 and the most distal instrumentation levels ranged from T11-L5. Three patients had all pedicle screw fixation, 2 had hybrid fixation (with screws at curve apex) and one had anterior all screw fixation. The mean operative time was 335 mins (range 190–540 mins) and the mean blood loss was 29% of total blood volume (range 14–55%). Standard anaesthetic technique was used in each case and all patients were extubated immediately after surgery. Patients were discharged on average 8 days post surgery (range 6–14 days). One patient had a wound infection and a stitch granuloma requiring surgical debridement and one patient required trimming of proximal end of rod because it was prominent. Conclusion: Scoliosis surgery in patients with Prader-Willi offers adequate deformity correction and in our experience is not associated with operative technical difficulty, major complications or a prolonged hospital stay

Objective: The purpose of this communication was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with type II odontoid fractures treated with anterior screw fixation. Material and Methods: In our prospective clinical study 34 patients, 21 males and 13 females (with mean age 35.4 + 0.8 years) with type II odontoid fractures of traumatic etiology, underwent anterior cannulated screw fixation, during a period of 36 months. All patients had radiologicaly confirmed intact transverse ligament and a reducible odontoid fracture. All patients were immobilized in a Miami J cervical collar for 4 weeks postoperatively. Radiological examination of the cervical spine with plain X rays and cervical spine CT was performed at 6 weeks and two, six and 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Follow-up time ranged between 36 and 80 months (mean follow-up 54.3+ months). Results: 32 patients had an uneventful postoperative course, while one patient developed pulmonary atelectasis, which resolved without any significant sequelae and another one developed a superficial wound infection, which resolved without removing the implanted hardware. Radiographic evaluation showed satisfactory bony fusion and no evidence of abnormal movement at the fracture site in 31 patients (91.1%). In two patients (5.8%), the radiographic studies showed pseudo-arthrosis and instability while in one patient (2.9%) the implanted cannulated screw was broken but there was no instability shown. Conclusions: In our series anterior odontoid screw fixation constituted a safe therapeutic modality with high stability and low mechanical failure rates in short and long term follow-up period

Between 1982 and 2000, 37 cases of fractures of the odontoid process were treated at Hirosaki University Hospital. There were 16 females and 21 males, with an average age of 43.9 and 37.7 respectively. Twenty-three of 37 were type II and 14 were type III by the classification of Anderson and D’Alonzo. Eight of type II were old fractures. Nineteen of them were injured in traffic accidents, 9 in accidental falls from a height, 4 by falling down, 2 in lumbering accidents and 3 by unknown causes. Severe neurological disorders were recognized in 7, mild in 12 and 22 had no neurological disorders. Neurological disorders were correlated with SAC (space available for spinal cord) at C1-2. Twenty-two of type II (95.7%) and 10 of type III (71%) were treated surgically. Surgical methods were anterior screw fixation of the odontoid process in 7, anterior atlanto-axial joint fixation in 3, posterior atlanto-axial joint fixation in 5, posterior occipito-cervical fusion in 3, anterior and posterior combined fixation of the atlanto-axial joint in 2 and others in 2. Bone union was obtained in 18 (81.8%) of type II and 10 (100%) of type III by the primary operations. There was no nonunion in anterior screw fixation cases. Nonunion occured in one of type II (100%) and 2 of type III (50%) treated nonoperatively. Two of them were operated for nonunion. One of them remained nonunion by two additional operations. No case of nonunion showed neurological deterioration for 91.8 months after treatment on average. Anterior direct screw fixation of the odontoid process is superior to the other methods in the point of immobilization of the odontoid fragment without limiting the motion of the atlanto-axial joint. We recommend anterior direct screw fixation of the odontoid process as a first choice of the surgical method for fresh fractures of the odontoid process in cases with reduced fragments

We have reviewed 81 patients with fractures of the odontoid process treated between May 1983 and July 1997, by anterior screw fixation. There were 29 patients with Anderson and D’Alonzo type-II fractures and 52 with type III. Roy-Camille’s classification identified the direction and instability of the fracture. Operative fixation was carried out on 48 men and 33 women with a mean age of 57 years. Associated injuries of the cervical spine were present in 15 patients, neurological signs in 13, and 18 had an Injury Severity Score of more than 15. Nine patients died and 11 were lost to follow-up. Of 61 patients, 56 (92%) achieved bony union at an average of 14.1 weeks. Two patients required a secondary posterior fusion after failure of the index operation. A full range of movement was restored in 43 patients; only six had a limitation of movement greater than 25%. We conclude that anterior screw fixation is effective and practicable in the treatment of fractures of the dens