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Niu HG, Zhang JJ, Yan YZ, Yang K, Zhang YS. Direct osteosynthesis in the treatment of atlas burst fractures: a systematic review. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:129. [PMID: 38331873 PMCID: PMC10851607 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The treatment of unstable atlas fractures remains a controversial topic. The study aims at assessing the prognosis and efficacy of osteosynthesis for unstable atlas fractures through a review of the current literature and additionally aims to compare outcomes between the transoral and posterior approaches. METHODS A systematic review of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang was conducted. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers to identify studies meeting pre-defined inclusion criteria for comprehensive analysis. RESULTS The systematic review included 28 articles, 19 employing the posterior approach and 9 utilizing the transoral approach. It covered osteosynthesis in 297 patients with unstable atlas fractures, comprising 169 treated via the posterior approach and 128 via the transoral approach. Analysis revealed high healing rates and clinical improvement in both approaches, evidenced by improvements in the visual analog scale, range of motion, atlantodens interval, and lateral displacement distance post-surgery. CONCLUSION Osteosynthesis offers effective treatment for unstable atlas fractures. Both transoral and posterior approaches can achieve good clinical outcomes for fracture, and biomechanical studies have confirmed that osteosynthesis can maintain the stability of the occipitocervical region, preserve the motor function of the atlantoaxial and occipito-atlantoaxial joints, and greatly improve the quality of life of patients. However, variations exist in the indications and surgical risks associated with each method, necessitating their selection based on a thorough clinical evaluation of the patient's condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Gang Niu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhu Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yin-Shun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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Tu J, Li W, Shu S, Zhang Y, Hua W, Li S, Yang S, Yang C. Total spondylectomy of recurrent giant cell tumors in the cervical spine: Two case reports and review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e10799. [PMID: 29768375 PMCID: PMC5976291 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Spinal Giant Cell Tumors (SGCTs) are rare, aggressive, and benign tumors. Their presence in the cervical spine is even more exceptional. There are few reports of cervical GCT in the literature, especially recurrent cases. The treatment are challenging to clinically because radical resection is extremely difficult. PATIENT CONCERNS In this study, we present the cases of a 25-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman who suffered from recurrent cervical GCT. INTERVENTIONS They underwent extensive total spondylectomy of C3-5 and C2-4, respectively, by a combined anterior and posterior approach. OUTCOMES Both patients had a satisfactory prognosis after 2 years followe-up, and extensive total spondylectomy provided good disease-free survival rates. Extensive total spondylectomy of cervical recurrent giant cell tumor was successfully achieved combined anterior and posterior approach. LESSONS This surgical technique can be an effective option for this pathological condition, which is difficult to manage using other conventional treatment options including repeated curettage and radiotherapy. However, there are insufficient data on long-term subjective outcomes in this type of patient, and larger series studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this approach, especially compared with piecemeal resection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Tu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wentian Li
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglei Shu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan. China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbin Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuhua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Keskil S, Göksel M, Yüksel U. Transoral screw and wire fixation for unstable anterior ½ atlas fracture. JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2018; 8:364-368. [PMID: 29403251 PMCID: PMC5763596 DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_94_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design: Atlas fractures are evaluated according to the fracture type and ligamentous injury. External immobilization may result in fracture nonunion. Objective: The ideal treatment method for non-stabilized atlas fractures is limited fixation without restricting the range of motion of the atlantoaxial and atlantooccipital joints. Summary of Background Data: Such a result can be established by using either anterior fixation or posterior lateral mass fixation. However, none of these techniques can fully address anterior 1/2 atlas fractures such as in this case. Materials and Methods: A transoral technique in which bilateral screws were placed intralaminarly and connected with wire was used to reduce and stabilize an anterior 1/2 fracture of C1. Result: Radiological studies after the surgery showed good cervical alignment, no screw or wire failure and good reduction with fusion of anterior arcus of C1. Conclusions: Internal immobilization by this screw and wire osteosynthesis technique protects the mobility of the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints. The main advantage is that neither the twisted wires inserted under the anterior lamina, nor the laterally placed screw heads interfere with midline wound closure; unlike the plate/cage and rod systems used together with anterior screws. A computer navigation system with intraoperative 3D imaging facilities will be of benefit for safe placement of the screw, however we preferred a free-hand technique, as the starting point was at the fracture line along the trajectory of the routinely accessible anterior lamina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semih Keskil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kırıkkale University Medical School, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Murat Göksel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kırıkkale University Medical School, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Ulas Yüksel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kırıkkale University Medical School, Kırıkkale, Turkey
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Keskil S, Göksel M, Yüksel U. Unilateral lag-screw technique for an isolated anterior 1/4 atlas fracture. JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2016; 7:50-4. [PMID: 27041886 PMCID: PMC4790149 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8237.176625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Fractures of the atlas are classified based on the fracture location and associated ligamentous injury. Among patients with atlas fractures treated using external immobilization, nonunion of the fracture could be seen. OBJECTIVE Ideally, treatment strategy for an unstable atlas fracture would involve limited fixation to maintain the fracture fragments in a reduced position without restricting the range of motion (ROM) of the atlantoaxial and atlantooccipital joints. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Such a result can be established using either transoral limited internal fixation or limited posterior lateral mass fixation. However, due to high infection risk and technical difficulty, posterior approaches are preferred but none of these techniques can fully address anterior 1/4 atlas fractures such as in this case. MATERIALS AND METHODS A novel open and direct technique in which a unilateral lag screw was placed to reduce and stabilize a progressively widening isolated right-sided anterior 1/4 single fracture of C1 that was initially treated with a rigid cervical collar is described. RESULTS Radiological studies made after the surgery showed no implant failure, good cervical alignment, and good reduction with fusion of C1. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that isolated C1 fractures can be surgically reduced and immobilized using a lateral compression screw to allow union and maintain both C1-0 and C1-2 motions, and in our knowledge this is the first description of the use of a lag screw to achieve reduction of distracted anterior 1/4 fracture fragments of the C1 from a posterior approach. This technique has the potential to become a valuable adjunct to the surgeon's armamentarium, in our opinion, only for fractures with distracted or comminuted fragments whose alignment would not be expected to significantly change with classical lateral mass screw reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semih Keskil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Murat Göksel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Ulaş Yüksel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Majority of C1 fractures can be effectively treated conservatively by immobilization or traction unless there is an injury to the transverse ligament. Conservative treatment usually involves a long period of immobilization in a halo-vest. Surgical intervention generally involves fusion, eliminating the motion of the upper cervical spine. We describe the treatment of unstable Jefferson fractures designed to avoid these problems of both conservative and invasive methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of 12 patients with unstable Jefferson fractures treated with transoral osteosynthesis of C1 between July 2008 and December 2011 was performed. A steel plate and C1 lateral mass screw fixation were used to repair the unstable Jefferson fractures. Our study group included eight males and four females with an average age of 33 years (range 23-62 years). RESULTS Patients were followed up for an average of 16 months after surgery. Range of motion of the cervical spine was by and large physiologic: Average flexion 35° (range 28-40°), average extension 42° (range 30-48°). Lateral bending to the right and left averaged 30° and 28° respectively (range 12-36° and 14-32° respectively). The average postoperative rotation of the atlantoaxial joint, evaluated by functional computed tomography scan was 60° (range 35-72°). Total average lateral displacement of the lateral masses was 7.0 mm before surgery (range 5-12 mm), which improved to 3.5 mm after surgery (range 1-6.5 mm). The total average difference of the atlanto-dens interval in flexion and extension after surgery was 1.0 mm (range 1-3 mm). CONCLUSIONS Transoral osteosynthesis of the anterior ring using C1 lateral mass screws is a viable option for treating unstable Jefferson fractures, which allows maintenance of rotation at the C1-C2 joint and restoration of congruency of the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Todd J Albert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
| | - Christopher K Kepler
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
| | - Wei-Hu Ma
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Shan Yuan
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Xin Dong
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Recurrent upper cervical chordomas after radiotherapy: surgical outcomes and surgical approach selection based on complications. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2013; 38:E1141-8. [PMID: 23698574 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e31829c2bb0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of a case series. OBJECTIVE To present and analyze our surgical results of recurrent chordomas in the upper cervical spine after radiotherapy and compare 2 surgical strategies. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Surgical treatment of recurrent chordomas in the upper cervical spine after radiotherapy is clinically rare but extremely challenging. No reports are found in the literatures focusing on the surgical results and strategies of such recurrent chordomas. METHODS Clinical data of 8 patients with recurrent chordomas in the upper cervical spine after radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Preoperative symptoms were relieved after our surgical procedures in 7 of the 8 patients. Total tumor removal was achieved in 6 of the 8 patients. Surgical complications mainly including cerebrospinal fluid leak and incision disunion were observed in 6 of the 8, and all the 3 patients after transoral operation had those complicated surgical complications, whereas the other 3 of the 5 patients after anterior retropharyngeal operation had relatively slighter complications. The disease free survival rates 1 year and 2 years after the surgery in this series were 50% and 12.5%, respectively, comparing with the general survival rates 1 year and 2 years after the surgery 87.5% and 37.5%. CONCLUSION Revised surgery is effective for improving quality of life of patients with recurrent upper cervical chordomas after radiotherapy before further tumor recurrence. However, the prognosis of those patients is usually poor and surgical complications mainly including incision disunion and cerebrospinal fluid leak are common. To reduce the risk of surgical complications, anterior retropharyngeal approach may be superior to the transoral approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Posterior osteosynthesis of the atlas for nonconsolidated Jefferson fractures: a new surgical technique. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2011; 36:E1360-3. [PMID: 21358480 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e318206cf63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Case report and surgical technique. OBJECTIVE To describe a new technique to treat atlas burst fractures by selectively reconstructing the atlas from a posterior approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The two surgical techniques reported until now for stabilizing atlas burst fractures are associated with some drawbacks. Posterior C0-C2 or C1-C2 fixations significantly reduce head rotation, while the transoral C1 lateral masses osteosynthesis can be associated with oropharyngeal and neurological complications. We propose a new surgical technique for the treatment of unstable Jefferson fractures aimed at avoiding these problems. METHODS A 25-year-old man presented with a Jefferson type III atlas fracture after a traffic accident. The fracture failed to consolidate after 3 months of halo brace immobilization. Surgery consisted in inserting bilateral posterior C1 lateral mass screws interconnected by a transversal rod, thereby creating a second C1 posterior arch under the fractured one. RESULTS Postoperative course was uneventful. Immediate postoperative stability was confirmed on dynamic X-ray films and head rotation was preserved. Delayed computed tomography scan demonstrated fracture consolidation. CONCLUSION The surgical technique described is new and effective for treating atlas burst fractures. This posterior procedure allows mobility preservation, with a low morbidity rate.
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