Abstract:

Objective  To evaluate the outcome of posterior screw-rod fixation system in surgical treatment of 8 cases of atlantoaxial dislocation combined with craniovertebral junction region malformation.  Methods  A retrospective study was performed in 8 patients (5 men and 3 women; aged 21-62 years; mean, 39 years)  with atlantoaxial dislocation combined with craniovertebral junction region malformation from January 2010 to May 2013. The Screw rod system produced from Johnson & Johnson company was used in all of the patients. 4 patients underwent C2 pedicle screw fixation on both sides, 3 patients underwent C2 pedicle screw fixation combined with C3 lateral mass on both sides， and1 patient underwent C2 pedicle screw fixation on the right side， C3 lateral mass on the left side， and C4 pedicle screw fixation on both sides. The X-ray and CT scan were performed to evaluate the effect of odontoid restoration by comparing the CL, ADI and CMA. Results  The 8 patients were followed up for 2-40 months, and all of them showed improved restoration of odontoid. Only 1 patient suffered from dysphagia after the surgery, who was cured after symptomatic treatment. Conclusion  Posterior screw-rod fixation system is effective to treat the patients with atlantoaxial dislocation combined with craniovertebral junction region malformation.

Key words: Basilar invagination; Atlantoaxial dislocation; Occipitocervical fusion