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

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Abstract

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of C1–2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

The C1–2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation is a reliable technique for atlantoaxial instability.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Item Number: 81101343).

Conflict of interest

None of the authors have received benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript: e.g., honoraria, gifts, consultancies.

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Correspondence to Bin Ni.

Additional information

X. Guo and B. Ni contributed equally to the article.

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Ni, B., Guo, X., Xie, N. et al. C1–2 transarticular screws combined with C1 laminar hooks fixation: a modified posterior atlantoaxial fixation technique and outcome in 72 patients. Eur Spine J 22, 260–267 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2397-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2397-6

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