[Lateral mass screws of the atlas combined with vertebra dentata pedicle screws for treatment of upper cervical vertebral instability].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of fixation and fusion with lateral mass screws of the atlas and vertebra dentata pedicle screws for the treatment of upper vertebral instability.

METHODS

Ten patients with atlantoaxial instability, including 3 with old odontoid fracture and 7 with fresh odontoid fracture (Aderson II) received surgeries for fixation and fusion with lateral mass screws of the atlas and vertebra dentata pedicle screws.

RESULTS

No spinal cord or vertebral artery injuries occurred in these patients after the surgery. The follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 15 months with an average of 8 months. The postoperative JOA scores were from l3.2 to l6.8, with an average of l4.8. Clinical improvement was achieved in 87.5% of the patients, and the implanted bones all fused successfully without internal fixation rupture or mobilization.

CONCLUSION

Lateral mass screws of the atlas combined with vertebra dentata pedicle screws allows three-dimensional fixation for treatment of atlantoaxial instability.