Anterior retropharyngeal approach for treatment of C2/3 fracture and dislocation

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques and clinical effects of anterior retropharyngeal approach in treatment of C2/3 fracture and dislocation.Methods Twelve patients with C2/3 fracture and dislocation treated via anterior retropharyngeal approach between November 2011 and April 2013 were included in the study.There were 7 males and 5 females aged from 19 to 65 years (mean,35 years).Primary pathologies included 7 patients with traumatic C3 fracture,2 with Hangman fracture and 3 with fracture and dislocation of the anteroinferior margin of C2 vertebrae.C2-C4 vertebrae were exposed using anterior retropharyngeal approach,followed by C2/3 discectomy or C3 corpectomy,decompression,interbody cage fusion or titanium mesh cage fusion,and anterior internal fixation.Results Exposure of lesion was sufficient for all patients and all operations were completed under direct vision,with mean operation time of 140 minutes and mean blood loss of 120 ml.One patient with reduced tone after operation gradually recovered in a week; one with dysphagia after operation recovered in 3 months; one with skin necrosis 7 days after operation was recovered by changing dressing; for the rest,there were no complications of incision hematoma,infection,or asphyxia.Ten patients were followed up for mean 15 months,which showed bony fusion in mean 6 months.At final follow-up,no implant loosening or displacement occurred.Conclusion Anterior retropharyngeal approach to C2/3 fracture and dislocation provides sufficient exposure of lesions,minor trauma,and less bleedings and complications,but as the local anatomy is complicated,there indeed exists a learning curve of the approach. Key words: Spinal injuries;  Cervical vertebrae;  Fracture fixation;  Surgical approach