Posterior Reduction and Intra-Articular Cage Fusion With a C2 Nerve Root Preservation Technique for Treating Posterior Atlantoaxial Dislocation Secondary to Os Odontoideum

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Posterior C1-C2 interlaminae compression fusion with iliac bone graft may lead to donor site complications and recurrent C1 posterior dislocation for posterior atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) secondary to os odontoideum. C1-C2 intra-articular fusion often needs C2 nerve ganglion transection to facilitate exposing and manipulating the facet joint, leading to bleeding from the venous plexus and suboccipital numbness or pain. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of posterior C1-C2 intra-articular fusion with a C2 nerve root preservation technique in the treatment of posterior AAD secondary to os odontoideum. METHODS: Data of the 11 patients who underwent C1-C2 posterior intra-articular fusion because of posterior AAD secondary to os odontoideum were retrospectively reviewed. Posterior reduction was performed using C1 transarch lateral mass screws and C2 pedicle screws. Intra-articular fusion was performed using a polyetheretherketone cage filled with autologous bone from the caudal edge of the C1 posterior arch and cranial edge of the C2 laminar. Outcomes were evaluated by using the Japanese Orthopaedics Association score, Neck Disability Index, and visual analog scale for neck pain. Bone fusion was evaluated by using computed tomography and 3-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 43.9 ± 9.5 months. All patients achieved good reduction and bone fusion, without transection of the C2 nerve roots. The mean bone fusion time was 4.3 ± 1.1 months. There was no complication related to the surgical approach and instrumentation. Function of the spinal cord manifested by the Japanese Orthopaedics Association score significantly improved ( P < .05). The Neck Disability Index score and visual analog scale for neck pain markedly decreased (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Posterior reduction and intra-articular cage fusion with a C2 nerve root preservation technique was a promising treatment of posterior AAD secondary to os odontoideum.