The interspinous method of posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis

J Neurosurg. 1991 Feb;74(2):190-8. doi: 10.3171/jns.1991.74.2.0190.

Abstract

Thirty-six patients underwent C1-2 posterior wiring and fusion procedures over a 5-year period for unstable C-2 fractures (eight cases), unstable atlas-axis combination fractures (six cases), rheumatoid C1-2 instability (14 cases), os odontoideum (four cases), traumatic C1-2 ligamentous instability (three cases), or instability secondary to a C-2 tumor (one case). In each case, the atlantoaxial arthrodesis utilized sublaminar wire at C-1 and incorporated an iliac-crest strut-graft positioned between the posterior arches of C-1 and C-2, held in place by securing wire around the base of the spinous process of the axis. Follow-up examination was performed in all patients after a mean postoperative duration of 33.7 months. The technical aspects and clinical merits of this fusion procedure, which led to a 97% union rate (one nonunion) and minimal morbidity and mortality rates, are presented.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthrodesis / instrumentation
  • Arthrodesis / methods*
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / injuries
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / surgery*
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Male
  • Medical Illustration
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radiography