Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Odontoid Process”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 847 records · Page 47Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Results of long-term follow-up in patients undergoing anterior screw fixation for type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the fusion rate of a group of 38 patients having undergone anterior screw fixation for type II and "shallow" type III odontoid fractures. OBJECTIVE.: To determine primarily the long-term fusion rate after anterior screw fixation and to study the clinical characteristics of patients that have a statistically significant or nonsignificant influence on successful outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Long-term outcome of anterior screw fixation for odontoid fractures has been evaluated in very few studies. This information should be critical for further establishing this technique as a major therapeutic strategy for these cases. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients, 25 males and 13 females (with mean age 48.4 +/- 0.4 years), with type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures, underwent anterior cannulated screw fixation during a 62-month period. Radiologic examination of the cervical spine with plain radiographs was performed at 6 weeks, and 2, 6, 12, and 24 months, while computerized tomography of the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) was obtained at 6 months after surgery. Follow-up was available for 31 patients, and the follow-up time ranged from 39 to 87 months (mean 58.4). RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation of the follow-up group showed satisfactory bony fusion and no evidence of abnormal movement at the fracture site in 27 (87.1%) patients. Pseudarthrosis developed in 4 (12.9%) patients; however, 3 (9.6%) of them without instability and 1 (3.2%) with instability. One (3.2%) patient had an instrumentation failure without instability. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, anterior odontoid screw fixation comprised a safe therapeutic modality with high stability and low mechanical failure rates during short-term and long-term follow-up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Complete osteolysis of the dens with atlantoaxial luxation caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus: a case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To present a case of complete osteolysis of the dens and accompanying luxation of the atlantoaxial joint, on the basis of a Staphylococcus aureus infection. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To date, complete osteolysis of the dens followed by atlantoaxial dislocation has only been reported as a rare complication in patients with tuberculosis but not as secondary to a Staphylococcus aureus infection. METHODS: Because of emerging neurological complications in both upper extremities, we chose closed reduction and temporary Halo-fixation together with appropriate antibiotic coverage as primary treatment followed by an operative stabilization with Magerl fusion (Galli fusion combined with transarticular screw fixation of C1 and C2). RESULTS: After the operative procedure (Magerl fusion), immediate pain relief was achieved as well as almost complete resolution of neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this presents the first reported case of a complete destruction of the dens, as a result of a purulent bacterial infection leading to atlantoaxial luxation. Our case demonstrates that infections of the atlantoaxial region are difficult to diagnose and are seen mostly in immunocompromised patients, such as patients with diabetes. Furthermore, it proves that other infections besides tuberculosis can lead to complete osteolytic destruction of the atlantoaxial joint.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Progressive basilar invagination after transoral odontoidectomy: treatment by atlantoaxial facet distraction and craniovertebral realignment.

STUDY DESIGN: The issue of progression of congenital basilar invagination is evaluated on the basis of 3 clinical cases. The rationale of treatment of basilar invagination in general and, particularly, in the complex clinical situation encountered in the presented cases, by the authors' technique of atlantoaxial joint distraction, reduction of basilar invagination, and direct lateral mass plate and screw fixation is discussed. OBJECTIVE: The subject of progression of congenital basilar invagination and recurrent craniocervical cord compression after an initial transoral decompression is analyzed, and an alternative surgical treatment involving craniovertebral bone realignment is suggested. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: This is a review of 3 cases of basilar invagination treated earlier by transoral decompression. No fixation procedure was performed. The patients presented with recurrent symptoms of high cervical cord compression. Investigations revealed a progression of basilar invagination and cord compression. The treatment of such a complex clinical situation by atlantoaxial joint distraction is discussed. METHODS: Between September 2001 and January 2004, we treated 3 patients with congenital basilar invagination who underwent transoral odontoidectomy but did not undergo any posterior atlantoaxial or occipitoaxial fixation. The patients had postoperative improvement but worsening of their neurologic condition after an average duration of 26 months after transoral surgery. Repeat investigations revealed that basilar invagination and the craniovertebral alignments worsened during the period, and there was recurrent cervicomedullary cord compression. These patients were treated by atlantoaxial facet distraction, and attempts were made toward reduction of the basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction bony realignment, and atlantoaxial fixation by the technique recently described by us. RESULTS: During the average follow-up of 25 months, all 3 patients have had a neurologic recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The probable cause of basilar invagination and its progression is a congenital malformation ofalignment of the facets of the atlantoaxial joint. Distraction of the facets and direct interarticular atlantoaxial fixation presents a unique opportunity of reduction of the basilar invagination and fixation of the region.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Os odontoideum revisited: the case for a multifactorial etiology.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of our experience with os odontoideum at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. OBJECTIVE: To review the origin of os odontoideum and provide evidence for two separate etiologies. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The etiology of os odontoideum has been debated in the literature. Most authors support a post-traumatic etiology; however, some evidence exists to support a congenital origin. METHODS: We reviewed all 519 abnormal cervical spine radiographs performed from 1991 to 2004 to identify os odontoideum. Medical records and imaging studies were examined to determine: history of trauma, severity of injury, interval from injury to presentation, coexisting syndromes, and associated congenital cervical spine anomalies. RESULTS: Sixteen of 519 patients (3.1%) had os odontoideum. Only 8 of 16 patients reported previous trauma. Only 3 of these 8 injuries occurred with an interval remote enough to allow remodeling of the dens to an ossicle by the time of presentation. Six of 16 patients had associated congenital anomalies in the cervical spine. Three of 16 had a coexisting genetic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our data supports two separate etiologies for the os odontoideum: post-traumatic and congenital. The data should raise awareness that some children with preexisting syndromes may develop os odontoideum without previous trauma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The contemporary treatment of odontoid injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Review article. OBJECTIVE: To outline current concepts regarding the assessment and treatment of odontoid fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Odontoid fractures account for 9% to 15% of adult, cervical spine fractures. These injuries usually result from hyperflexion or hyperextension of the cervical spine during low-energy impacts in the elderly or high-energy impacts in the young and middle aged. Neurologic injury associated with these fractures is rare. METHODS: A review of pertinent literature was conducted. The information gleaned from this review was summarized. RESULTS: Odontoid fractures should be evaluated with appropriate imaging to assess the fracture itself as well as exclude other contiguous or noncontiguous fractures. The Anderson and D'Alonzo classification system is most commonly used. True type I and III odontoid fractures are generally thought to be relatively stable and are often treated nonoperatively with immobilization. Type II fractures at the base of the odontoid are less stable, and there are differing opinions regarding the precise definition and optimal treatment of these injuries. Nonoperative treatment options for odontoid fractures include external immobilization with a collar or halo. Operative treatment options for odontoid fractures include one of several posterior C1-C2 fusion constructs or anterior odontoid fixation if the fracture pattern is amenable. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequency of odontoid fractures, there is still much debate regarding the optimal treatment of these fractures, especially the type II fractures. This fact may be because of the absence of an ideal solution for this clinical problem. Certainly, prospective controlled clinical studies are needed.

Fracture Fixation↗
PubMed2006

Myelopathy by lesions of the craniocervical junction in a patient with forestier disease.

STUDY DESIGN: The authors report a case of a patient with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) associated with basilar impression resulting in tetraparesis. OBJECTIVE: To describe neurologic compromise associated with DISH. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neurologic deficits due to DISH are very rare, and only 1 case of basilar impression associated with DISH has previously been reported in the literature. METHODS: Diagnosis was confirmed by radiograph and MRI, which demonstrated basilar impression associated with a hyperintense signal in the spinal cord on T2-weighted sequences. Transoral resection of the dens associated with posterior occipitocervical fixation was performed during the same anesthesia. RESULTS: Postoperative outcome demonstrated regression of the pyramidal signs without recovery of unassisted walking. CONCLUSION: Early MRI should be performed in the evidence of spinal cord suffering in patients with DISH. Transoral approach allowed a good decompression of the spinal cord.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMed2007

Posterior cervical arthrodesis for subacute odontoid fracture in a patient with osteopetrosis: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of subacute odontoid fracture in a patient with osteopetrosis treated with posterior cervical arthrodesis using transarticular screws and interspinous wiring. OBJECTIVES: To report the first successful cervical arthrodesis in a patient with osteopetrosis and to highlight the potential perioperative pitfalls in this rare surgical population. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteopetrosis is a group of skeletal dysplasias characterized by osteoclast dysfunction, impaired bone resorption, and poor bone remodeling. Unique challenges associated with surgical fixation in osteopetrotic bone include a high incidence of nonunion, intraoperative fractures, intraoperative instrumentation failure, infection, and prosthesis loosening. We report the case of a patient with a subacute odontoid fracture treated successfully with posterior cervical arthrodesis using transarticular screws and interspinous wiring. METHODS: The surgical technique, intraoperative pitfalls, and 2-year follow-up data are reported. RESULTS: The patient underwent a successful posterior cervical arthrodesis using transarticular screws and interspinous wiring with autogenous iliac crest graft. At 2 years, a stable fixation was achieved with only mild postoperative limitation in neck range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical fractures and instability that require surgery in patients with osteopetrosis represent a unique challenge to the orthopedic spine surgeon. Despite the increased potential for perioperative instrumentation complications, nonunion, and infection, posterior cervical arthrodesis can be achieved and should be considered in the treatment armamentarium for this potentially catastrophic injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Two cases of odontoid fracture in preschool children.

Halo application is a standard method for cervical immobilization. However, complications may occur in children because of their thin skull and immature bone. The authors report two cases of odontoid fracture in preschool children treated with a Minerva cast. Two 4-year-old children sustained displaced odontoid fractures in motor vehicle accidents. The fractures were immediately reduced and immobilized using a Minerva cast, followed by the application of a soft collar. By the 1-year follow-up, uneventful bone union had occurred, and the children were able to attend preschool with minimal or no neurologic deficits. The Minerva cast is a classic, inexpensive method of cervical immobilization and is still useful for this kind of fracture. Immediate reduction and immobilization with a Minerva cast is a viable option for displaced odontoid fractures in preschool children.

Casts, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Simultaneous anterior arthrodesis C2-3 and anterior odontoid screw fixation for stabilization of a 4-part fracture of the axis--a technical description.

Multiple fractures of the axis are rare and present challenging patterns of instability in cervical spine surgery. Once a surgeon is faced with a combination of fractures in the axis vertebra, including stable and unstable components, a sound treatment concept must be worked out to achieve primary stability, early mobilization, and superior outcome. We demonstrate an operative technique for the stabilization of a 4-part fracture of the axis. Utilizing anterior odontoid screw fixation and C2-3 arthrodesis, an unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis with fracture of the odontoid type IIA, and lateral mass of C2 was successfully stabilized at once. The technique enabled early postoperative mobilization of our patient, who, after 1 year, showed a favorable outcome with a pain-free range of motion. The basic thoughts guiding to treatment options in multiple fractures of the axis are discussed and our therapy concept is presented.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Sudden death due to atlantoaxial subluxation in marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is 1 of the commonest inherited connective tissue disorders. Sudden death may occur and is usually attributed to cardiovascular manifestations of the syndrome. Atlantoaxial hypermobility, increased odontoid height, and rotatory subluxation are well described in this syndrome, but this paper details what seems to be the first reported case of sudden and unexpected death due to spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation in Marfan syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Traumatic tetraplegia: noninvasive respiratory management in the acute setting.

A 15-yr-old patient with high-level spinal cord injury developed ventilatory failure 24 hr after hospital admission and required continuous ventilatory support. Although he lost all ventilator-free breathing tolerance, he was managed by receiving noninvasive intermittent positive-pressure ventilation rather than intermittent positive-pressure ventilation via an endotracheal intubation. Cooperative, uncomplicated, acutely injured patients with spinal cord injury who develop ventilatory failure are candidates to use noninvasive intermittent positive-pressure ventilation to avoid intubation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Surgical treatment of acute type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures managed by anterior screw fixation.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the authors comment on their experience with anterior odontoid screw fixation in the management of odontoid fractures, in an attempt to further assess the safety and the efficacy of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients with reducible type II or rostral type III odontoid fractures, operated at our hospital with anterior odontoid screw fixation. Radiographic bony fusion, complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Solid bony fusion was evident in 38 (90.5%) of the patients. One mechanical instrumentation-related complication occurred, without clinical significance. No other major complications related to the procedure were noted. A satisfactory range of motion in the cervical spine was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior odontoid screw fixation is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures. Compliance to the specific indications and contraindications of this operation is crucial for optimal outcome.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Halo vest immobilization in the elderly: a death sentence?

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine fractures (CSFs) in elderly patients are increasingly common as the population ages. In many centers, halo vest immobilization (HVI) is the treatment of choice. Our anecdotal experience suggested that elderly patients treated with HVI have frequent bad outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of elderly and younger CSF patients as related to treatment (HVI, surgery, or hard collar). METHODS: Registry data from our Level I trauma center were reviewed to identify patients admitted with CSFs during an 80-month period. We excluded those with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 at admission or death within 24 hours of admission. Patients were grouped as OLD (aged > or = 66 years) or YNG (aged 18-65 years). Data were compared using chi and Student's t test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine OLD (aged 79.7 +/- 0.7 years) and 289 YNG (aged 38.3 +/- 0.8 years) patients met study criteria. Injury Severity Score was higher in YNG (18.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 14.8 +/- 1.0, p < 0.05), and GCS score was the same (OLD, 13.7 +/- 0.2; YNG, 13.0 +/- 0.2; p = 0.06) in both, but mortality was higher in OLD patients (21% vs. 5%, p < 0.05). OLD HVI patients had higher mortality than YNG HVI (40% vs. 2%). Among OLD patients, age, Injury Severity Score, GCS, and number of comorbidities were the same for each treatment subgroup. Despite this, mortality for the HVI subgroup was higher than either the surgery or collar subgroup. Of the OLD HVI patients that died, 14 died with pneumonia and 10 had a cardiac or respiratory arrest that preceded death. CONCLUSION: OLD patients with CSFs have higher mortality than YNG. HVI in OLD patients is associated with the worst outcomes, irrespective of injury severity, and should be considered a last resort. Further study is warranted to determine the optimal treatment for CSF in OLD patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Halo-vest immobilization increases early morbidity and mortality in elderly odontoid fractures.

BACKGROUND: Odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fractures in elderly patients. Treatment options included operative fixation (OP) or nonoperative management with either a halo-vest (HV) or rigid cervical orthosis (CO). Our previous study suggested increased morbidity and mortality with the use of HV in the treatment of elderly patients with cervical spine fractures. We review a series of odontoid fractures in elderly patients and evaluate for predictors for in-hospital morbidity and mortality. METHODS: There were 78 patients >65 years of age who sustained a type II or III odontoid fracture from January 1997 to June 2004 identified from the Rhode Island Hospital Trauma registry. Demographic, mechanism, injury pattern, treatment, and outcome data were recorded. Patients were analyzed according to treatment method. RESULTS: The mean age was 80.7 +/- 0.9 years. There were 50 type II, 17 type III, and 11 combined fractures. There were 38 (49%) patients treated with HV: 34 with halo alone, and 4 after OP; 40 (51%) patients were treated without HV: 27 with CO, and 13 with OP. There was no difference in injury severity or baseline medical condition between HV and non-HV patients. There were 24 (31%) patients who died during their hospital stay. Of the HV patients, 42% died compared with 20% in the non-HV group (p = 0.03). Major complications occurred in 66% of HV patients compared with 36% of non-HV patients (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Odontoid fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Outcomes after treatment with HV appear inferior to those achieved with CO or OP.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Identification of acute posttraumatic spinal cord cyst by magnetic resonance imaging: a case report and review of the literature.

Posttraumatic spinal cord cysts have traditionally been diagnosed late. The condition is usually considered after the neurological sequelae of spinal cord trauma have not resolved. The diagnosis has usually required invasive radiographic techniques, or even surgical exploration. Magnetic resonance imaging is a new, non-invasive diagnostic technique that appears to be more accurate than previous procedures. Moreover, it has the ability to delineate spinal cord parenchymal lesions much earlier than other methods. We present a case report and literature review of posttraumatic spinal cord cyst.

Axis, Cervical Vertebra↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pathomechanism of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in children.

The pathomechanism of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) was studied using roentgenography and computerized tomography in affected children as well as cadaver studies of upper cervical spine anatomy. The increased incidence of AARF in children may be related to certain anatomical differences between children and adults. The dens-facet angle of the axis was steeper in children than in adults. Meniscus-like synovial folds were found in the C0/1 and C1/2 facet joints of the spines of children but not in those of adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Instability of the upper cervical spine in Down syndrome.

This study of 64 Down syndrome children at British Columbia's Children's Hospital established that ligamentous laxity of the upper cervical spine may exist at more than one location. Instability at the atlantooccipital level is common and must be considered along with the previously documented atlantoaxial instability. Treatment should depend on room available for the spinal cord instead of absolute values of displacement.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Natural history of os odontoideum.

Os odontoideum has recently been considered an acquired lesion of the second cervical vertebrae. This case documents the natural progression of the formation of os odontoideum and correlates it with a traumatic event. This is the first case reported in the literature.

Atlanto-Axial Joint↗