C1-2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation: a modified posterior atlantoaxial fixation technique and outcome in 72 patients.

Abstract

To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of C1-2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation. All patients underwent atlantoaxial fixation during a 5-year period. The surgical technique and treatment procedures were intensively reviewed and clinical symptoms, neurological function and imaging appearance were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical and radiology follow-up indicated a stable arthrodesis and clinical relief from symptoms for all patients. All patients with neurological defects improved an average of 1.33 grade at their most recent clinical assessment, P < 0.05; their average admission ASIA motor score, pin prick score and light touch score improved to an average follow-up ASIA score of 99.80 (99.83 ± 0.38), 111.83 (111.83 ± 0.45), and 111.89 (111.89 ± 0.32), respectively. No neurovascular impairment and case of implant failure were observed. The C1-2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation is a reliable technique for atlantoaxial instability.