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Pediatric atlantoaxial instability: management with screw fixation.

Sixteen pediatric patients (age range 3-15 years; mean 9.4 years) with atlantoaxial instability underwent screw fixation at Columbus Children's Hospital between 1992 and 1998. Three patients with type II odontoid fractures underwent odontoid screw fixation. The remaining group of 13 patients had posterior C1-2 transarticular screw fixation and Sonntag C1-2 fusion. The group included 3 patients with rotatory C1-2 fixation, 4 patients with os odontoideum, 4 patients with congenital atlantoaxial instability and 2 patients with traumatic C1-2 instability. Postoperatively, all patients were placed in a Miami-J collar only. At 3 months follow-up, all patients achieved fusion. Bony fusion across the fracture line was clearly evident in patients with odontoid screws. The only complications in this series were a transient swallowing difficulty that resolved spontaneously in 2 weeks, and another patient's C1-2 fusion had extended to C2-3 at 9 months follow-up. This study demonstrates that children at 3 years of age and older, who sustain a type II odontoid fracture with an intact transverse ligament, can be safely managed with odontoid screws if the fracture is less than 4 weeks old. Posterior C1-2 transarticular screw fixation can be done safely and results in a high fusion rate in children older than 4 years of age. The technical difficulties of screw fixation in children are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Sledding accidents in children: potential for serious injury, risk of fatality.

Though a pastime rarely considered rough or dangerous, sledding is not risk-free. The presentation of several serious injuries to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, led us to examine our emergency department and admitting records to determine the incidence of neurological injury among children involved in sledding accidents. We discovered 24 children who had sustained brain or spine injuries as sequelae to sledding mishaps during a 5-year period. The ages ranged from 3 months to 15 years. Injuries included multiple skull fractures, 2 epidural hematomas, 1 subdural hematoma, 1 odontoid fracture and 1 anoxic brain injury. There was 1 death. Twenty-one of 24 patients incurred their injuries by colliding with fixed objects. Both improvised crafts and models intended for sledding were involved in the injuries. Only 3 sleds possessed steering capability. Eight of the 9 children who sustained a serious neurosurgical injury were supervised by an adult. Only 2 children had received instruction before sledding. The lack of awareness of the potential for injury together with the dearth of instruction and lack of control over a vehicle dashing down a hill studded with obstacles can change a carefree pastime into a hazardous activity.

Accidents↗

Circumferential cervical spine surgery in an 18-month-old female with traumatic disruption of the odontoid and C3 vertebrae. Case report and review of techniques. Case report and review of techniques.

STUDY DESIGN: A case study of an 18-month-old female with craniovertebral instability and spinal cord compression requiring circumferential stabilization. A review of surgical techniques in upper cervical spine and craniovertebral stabilization for young children is provided. OBJECTIVES: To describe an interesting surgical approach in a young pediatric patient requiring circumferential stability at the craniovertebral junction. BACKGROUND DATA: Craniovertebral instability is problematic in the young pediatric population due to the inability to secure hardware for stabilization. We present an interesting case of spinal cord compression with craniovertebral instability in an 18-month-old female requiring circumferential cervical spine and craniovertebral stabilization. METHODS: The patient presented with acute onset quadriparesis after a fall. Radiographs demonstrated C2-C3 disruption with canal compromise. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed signal changes of the spinal cord at C2-C3. Neurological examination revealed normal muscle volume with strength 1/5 in the upper extremities and 0/5 in the lower extremities. Respirations were normal with normal diaphragmatic function. Cranial nerves were intact. RESULTS: Halo-traction attempted at 0.453 kg induced occipital-atlantal dislocation. The patient underwent anterior corpectomy of C3 and the base of C2 with autologous rib grafts placed from C2 to C4 and macropore as an anterior plating system. Posteriorly the patient had occiput-C3 fusion with a titanium rod and autologous rib grafts bilaterally. Postoperatively the patient regained normal neurological function with circumferential fusion after 4 months in a halo vest. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates the ability to achieve circumferential stabilization in the young pediatric patient. Injuries at the odontoid synchondrosis can be difficult to treat and are only complicated by having to achieve a posterior fusion at the craniovertebral junction. We present a successful case of circumferential fusion and offer a surgical technique to achieve spinal cord decompression and fusion of the upper cervical spine and craniovertebral junction in the young pediatric population.

Accidental Falls↗

Pediatric axis fractures: early halo immobilization, management and outcome.

Pediatric C-2 fractures have been managed with initial cranial skeletal tong traction or a period of bed rest for reduction and alignment followed by external and/or surgical stabilization. Thirteen children were managed with early halo orthosis to provide the initial reduction/alignment and to accomplish long-term stabilization. Eighty percent had fusion with the halo alone, and 20% went on to fuse after surgery. The average hospitalization for isolated C-2 injury was 10.6 days. Minor complications occurred in 46% of the patients. The literature is reviewed as to the management and outcome of pediatric axis fractures.

Child↗

Outcome of halo immobilisation of 104 cases of cervical spine injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: To present and discuss the outcome of halo jacket immobilisation of cervical spine injuries. SETTING: National Spinal Injuries Unit in a Scottish University teaching Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective review of case-notes and radiographs of all patients treated with halo jacket both as primary means of immobilisation or as adjunct to surgical stabilisation between 1992-1999 and followed up at a weekly halo clinic. RESULTS: Out of a total one hundred and four patients with cervical spine injury, eighty-six were treated with Halo jacket as primary means of cervical immobilisation. Halo was used as adjunct to surgical stabilisation for the rest. There were nine cases of true failure. This is a failure rate of 10% for primary halo immobilisation. Of the nine patients who had failure of bony healing, four had fibrous healing, three had surgery to stabilise spine, two were subsequently lost to follow-up. The highest incidence of recurrence of subluxation occurred in patients with fracture/subluxation with a healing rate of 85%. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis did well. Odontoid fractures had 18% failure rate. The commonest complication was loss of reduction, followed by pin-site infection. CONCLUSION: Halo is an effective non-surgical treatment for the injured cervical spine at both upper and lower levels.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Maxillo-nasal dysplasia (Binder syndrome) and associated malformations of the cervical spine.

Forty-three patients with maxillo-nasal dysplasia have been subjected to a radiographic examination of the cervical spine. In 44.2 per cent malformations of the cervical vertebrae of a minor or major type were revealed. Dysplasia of the vertebral bodies related to persistence of the chorda dorsalis, a very rare malformation, was found in six cases. No correlation between the incidence or severity of the malformations and the degree of malocclusion of the jaws and facial deformity, characteristic of Binder syndrome, were noted. The maxillo-nasal dysplasia and the spinal malformations probably have a common cause during the embryologic stage.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Does head posture have a significant effect on the hyoid bone position and sternocleidomastoid electromyographic activity in young adults?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between head posture (head extension, normal head posture, and head flexion) and anteroposterior head position, hyoid bone position, and the sternocleidomastoid integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity in a sample of young adults. The study included 50 individuals with natural dentition and bilateral molar support. A lateral craniocervical radiograph was taken for each subject and a cephalometric analysis was performed. Head posture was measured by means of the craniovertebral angle formed by the MacGregor plane and the odontoid plane. According to the value of this angle, the sample was divided into the following three groups: head extension (less than 95 degrees); normal head posture (between 95 degrees and 106 degrees); and head flexion (more than 106 degrees). The following cephalometric measurements were taken to compare the three groups: anteroposterior head position (true vertical plane/pterygoid distance), anteroposterior hyoid bone position (true vertical plane-Ha distance), vertical hyoid bone position (H-H' distance in the hyoid triangle), and CO-C2 distance. In the three groups, IEMG recordings at rest and during swallowing of saliva and maximal voluntary clenching were performed by placing bipolar surface electrodes on the right and left sternocleidomastoid muscles. In addition, the condition with/without craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) in each group was also assessed. Head posture showed no significant association with anteroposterior head position, anteroposterior hyoid bone position, vertical hyoid bone position, or sternocleidomastoid IEMG activity. There was no association to head posture with/without the condition of CMD. Clinical relevance of the results is discussed.

Adult↗

Evaluation of cervical posture of children in skeletal class I, II, and III.

Previous studies on the relationship between morphological structure of the face and cervical posture have predominantly focused on vertical dimensions of the face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are significant differences in cervical posture in subjects with a different sagittal morphology of the face, i.e., a different skeletal class. One hundred twenty (120) children (60 males and 60 females, average age 9.5 yrs., SD+/-0.5) were admitted for orthodontic treatment. Selection criteria was: European ethnic origin, date of birth, considerable skeletal growth potential remaining and an absence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Lateral skull radiographs were taken in mirror position. Subjects were divided into three groups based on their skeletal class. The cephalometric tracings included postural variables. The most interesting findings were: 1. children in skeletal class III showed a significantly lower cervical lordosis angle (p<0.001) than the children in skeletal class I and skeletal class II; 2. children in skeletal class II showed a significantly higher extension of the head upon the spinal column compared to children in skeletal class I and skeletal class III (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). This is probably because the lower part of their spinal column was straighter than those of subjects in skeletal class I and II (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Significant differences among the three groups were also observed in the inclination of maxillary and mandibular bases to the spinal column. The posture of the neck seems to be strongly associated with the sagittal as well as the vertical structure of the face.

Axis, Cervical Vertebra↗

Axis fractures: a comprehensive review of management and treatment in 107 cases.

The combination of movement, location, and anatomy of the axis predisposes it to multiple and varied fracture/dislocations distinct from other vertebrae. We examine all forms of axis fractures and address the appropriate treatment for each specific fracture type. In a retrospective review of 625 cervical spine fractures during an 8-year period, we found 107 axis fractures. There were 25 hangman's fractures (23%), 59 odontoid fractures (55%), and 23 miscellaneous fractures (22%). Each case was characterized by age, sex, the presence of associated injuries, presenting symptoms and findings, initial treatment, and results of that treatment. Excluding 6 early deaths, 90 of 101 patients were located for a median follow-up of 3.2 years. We found that 17% of cervical fractures involve the axis. Axis fractures have a high association with head and other cervical spine injuries, 40% and 18%, respectively. Few neurological deficits result from a fracture of the 2nd cervical vertebra. Hangman's fractures are effectively treated with external stabilization, preferably with a halo vest. We noted a shorter period of treatment using the halo vest as compared to the SOMI brace. Nonunion occurred in 26% of odontoid Type II fractures, but occurred in 67% of those with dens displacement of 6 mm or greater, regardless of age or direction of dislocation. We recommend early surgical therapy for this subgroup. There is no correlation between age and the rate of nonunion. In patients with odontoid Type II fractures with dens displacement of 0 to 5 mm, fusion occurs with external stabilization alone. Odontoid Type III fractures are one-half as common as Type II fractures, and all heal well with external stabilization. Twenty-two per cent of acute axis fractures are not hangman's or odontoid fractures. Miscellaneous fractures of the axis generally do well with external stabilization and immobilization.

Adolescent↗

New subtype of acute odontoid fractures (type IIA).

A new subtype of axis fracture, thought to be a variant of the Type II odontoid fracture, is described. High resolution, thin section computed tomography can assist in the identification of comminuted fractures at the base of the dens with associated free fracture fragments. Because these injuries are markedly unstable and cannot be suitably realigned and reduced by external means, early surgical therapy should be considered.

Acute Disease↗

Use of Halifax interlaminar clamps for posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis.

Eight patients with atlantoaxial instability secondary to trauma or rheumatoid arthritis were treated with posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis using the Halifax interlaminar clamp and autogenous bone graft or methylmethacrylate. Thus far, with an average follow-up of 6 months, satisfactory stability has been achieved with no instrument failure.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Diagnosis and treatment of an odontoid fracture in a patient with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: case report.

Fibrous dysplasia of the cervical spine is rare. No prior reports have discussed odontoid fractures in the setting of fibrous dysplasia. We describe a 26-year-old man who suffered a traumatic odontoid fracture in an area of preexisting fibrous dysplasia. The patient was treated conservatively in a sterno-occipito-mandibular immobilizer brace with a good result. A review of fibrous dysplasia is presented. Alternative methods of diagnosis and treatment options in our patient are discussed.

Adult↗

Nonunion of a type II odontoid fracture after an apparent radiographic fusion: case report.

The type II odontoid fracture, initially described by Anderson and D'Alonzo, is the most common axis fracture. Several factors that predict the need for operative intervention have been discussed in the literature; however, the initial treatment remains somewhat controversial. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman who suffered a Type II odontoid fracture during a skiing accident. She was managed initially with halo-vest immobilization, and after 12 weeks, bony fusion was documented by plain spine radiographs and tomography. Routine follow-up cervical spine films at 8 months after her injury revealed no union at the previous fracture site and resultant atlantoaxial instability. A posterior C1-C2 fusion was therefore performed, leading to a long-term solid bony fusion. There are no previous reports in the literature describing a nonunion after radiographically documented healing of a Type II odontoid fracture. We present this case in order to emphasize the importance of scheduled follow-up examinations, including cervical spine films, for at least 12 months after a documented fusion. Further reports of similar cases may generate a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of delayed nonunion and may elicit factors that will predict its development.

Adult↗

Resolution of traumatic hypertrophic periodontoid cicatrix after posterior cervical fusion: case report.

The case of a 38-year-old man with delayed myelopathy 19 years after a nontreated odontoid type II fracture is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging of the craniocervical region revealed a periodontoid cicatrix. The clinical syndrome improved, and complete resolution of the retro-odontoid mass was achieved 9 months after posterior cervical fixation. The implications of this unique case for the management of myelopathy associated with nonunion of odontoid fractures are discussed.

Adult↗

The accessory atlantoaxial ligament.

OBJECTIVE: The stability of the joints connecting the cranium to the upper cervical spine is of vital importance. The ligaments of this region, for the most part, have been thoroughly investigated, with the exception of the accessory atlantoaxial ligament. METHODS: Ten cadaveric specimens were examined to observe the anatomy of this ligament. RESULTS: This ligament was found in all specimens, and in each, it not only connected the atlas to the axis but also continued cephalically to the occipital bone. The approximate dimensions of this structure were 3 cm x 5 mm. Functionally, this ligament became maximally taut with a rotation of the head of 5 to 8 degrees. Laxity was observed with cervical extension, and maximal tautness was seen at 5 to 10 degrees of cervical flexion. CONCLUSION: The accessory atlantoaxial ligament seems to participate in craniocervical stability and perhaps should be renamed the accessory alar ligament or accessory atlantoaxialoccipital ligament; both of these terms better denote its anatomic characteristics. Perhaps in the future, better magnetic resonance imaging techniques and machines will be able to identify this structure so as to appreciate its integrity after upper cervical spine trauma.

Aged↗

Vertically unstable type III odontoid fractures: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Type III odontoid fractures are generally thought of as unstable fractures that can be successfully treated with an external orthosis. However, there is a rare subtype of Type III odontoid fractures that is similar in the degree of instability to atlanto-occipital dislocation injuries. Not recognizing or not treating this injury urgently and aggressively could lead to devastating iatrogenic neurological injuries such as quadriplegia and fatal lower brainstem palsies. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a vertically distracted Type III odontoid fracture and associated quadriparesis and brainstem deficits. The patient was kept in a rigid collar, placed in a kinematic bed, and admitted to the trauma service for the management of her life-threatening systemic injuries. Traction was not applied. INTERVENTION: As soon as the patient was systemically stable, she was taken to the operating room for C1-C2 fixation with a screw-rod construct supplemented by cable and structural iliac crest bone graft. CONCLUSION: Delayed recognition of this subtype of Type III odontoid fracture could have fatal or highly morbid consequences, such as quadriparesis/-plegia, lower brainstem dysfunction, and ventilator-dependence, for the patient. It is important to keep a high level of suspicion for this unusual subtype of Type III odontoid fracture.

Aged↗