Faculty Collaboration Database

Equivalence of fusion rates after rigid internal fixation of the occiput to C-2 with or without C-1 instrumentation. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2010 Apr;5(4):380-4

Date

04/07/2010

Pubmed ID

20367344

DOI

10.3171/2009.10.PEDS09296

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-77950563957 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

OBJECT: The object of this study was to assess a multiinstitutional experience with pediatric occipitocervical constructs to determine whether a difference exists between the fusion and complication rates of constructs with or without direct C-1 instrumentation.

METHODS: Seventy-seven cases of occiput-C2 instrumentation and fusion, performed at 9 children's hospitals, were retrospectively analyzed. Entry criteria included atlantooccipital instability with or without atlantoaxial instability. Any case involving subaxial instability was excluded. Constructs were divided into 3 groups based on the characteristics of the anchoring spinal instrumentation: Group 1, C-2 instrumentation; Group 2, C-1 and C-2 instrumentation without transarticular screw (TAS) placement; and Group 3, any TAS placement. Groups were compared based on rates of fusion and perioperative complications.

RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 16 patients (20.8%) and had a 100% rate of radiographically demonstrated fusion. Group 2 included 22 patients (28.6%), and a 100% fusion rate was achieved, although 2 cases were lost to follow-up before documented fusion. Group 3 included 39 patients (50.6%) and demonstrated a 100% radiographic fusion rate. Complication rates were 12.5, 13.7, and 5.1%, respectively. There were 3 vertebral artery injuries, 1 (4.5%) in Group 2 and 2 (5.1%) in Group 3.

CONCLUSIONS: High fusion rates and low complication rates were achieved with each configuration examined. There was no difference in fusion rates between the group without (Group 1) and those with (Groups 2 and 3) C-1 instrumentation. These findings indicated that in the pediatric population, excellent occipitocervical fusion rates can be accomplished without directly instrumenting C-1.

Author List

Hankinson TC, Avellino AM, Harter D, Jea A, Lew S, Pincus D, Proctor MR, Rodriguez L, Sacco D, Spinks T, Brockmeyer DL, Anderson RC

Author

Sean Lew MD Chief, Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Atlanto-Axial Joint
Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Cervical Atlas
Child
Child, Preschool
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infant
Internal Fixators
Joint Instability
Occipital Bone
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Fusion
Tomography, X-Ray Computed