atlanto-axial subluxation
TRANSCRIPT
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Traumatic Atlanto-Axial Rotatory SubluxationShashank Gandhi, MDDepartment of Neurosurgery
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Case
64M, s/p fall down stairs while intoxicated 3 days ago. No LOC. P/w persistent neck pain & right shoulder pain.
PMH: EtOH abuse
Neuro: AA&Ox3, FC, MAE 5/5, SILT
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CT C Spine
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Hospital Course
• CTA neg• MRI – posterior interspinous ligament edema; non-specific fluid
in C1-2 lateral mass articulations• Discharged home with Miami J collar for 6wks
• 4wk office f/u• Inconsistent Miami J use• Continued neck pain• Neuro intact
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4wk F/U
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Fielding Type IIIWhite & Panjabi Type C
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Traction & Reduction in MayfieldC1-3 Fusion
Immediate Post-Op 4wk Post-Op
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12wks Post Op
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Pathology Usually traumatic (adults) or infection/inflammation (Grisel’s Syndrome) Mechanism: forced rotation with an element of lateral tilt C1-2 facet is more horizontal than other levels Other reports of rotatory deformities caused by:
Ankylosing spondylitis Rheumatoid arthritis Metastatic tumors, eosinophilic granulomas Down Syndrome (25% patients) After sub occipital craniectomy and C1-3 laminectomy Klippel feil syndrome (congenital failure of segmentation of
cervical spine- short neck , low hairline and decreased motion) Os odonteum
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Presentation “Cock-Robin” position: Head is rotated toward the anteriorly displaced
C1-2 joint and tilted away from the involved side C2 joint spinous process may be prominent and deviated to the side to
which the chin is pointed- Result of lateral tilt of the head or possibly counter rotation of C2
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Stability of AA jointAlar ligaments
- prevents excessive rotation- attaches to sides of dens and inserts at base
of the occiput
Transverse ligament – most important - prevents excessive anterior shift- attaches to anterior arch of C1 bilaterally via
tubercles- confines the odontoid process within the
articular notch on the anterior arch of C1- Allows 47 degrees rotation- Non-elastic; fails suddenly with rapid force- Rupture centrally or laterally at insertion site
on tubercles
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Steele's Rule of ThirdsCanal of the atlas is about 3 cm in AP diameterSpinal cord, odontoid and the free space are each approximately 1 cm in diameterAnterior displacement of the atlas > 1 cm may jeopardize the adjacent segment of the spinal cord
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Atlantodental Interval (ADI)
• Atlantoaxial joint may be incompetent when the TL is disrupted- Widened ADI seen on lateral plain films or CT scan- ADI >5mm – failure of alar ligaments- Normal ADI is <3mm in males and < 2.5mm in females- Normal ADI is pediatrics is <4 mm (kids < 15 yo)
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Imaging
ADI Lateral atlantoaxial space surrounding dens may be asymmetrical Dens may be displaced in any direction Rotational angle
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Imaging: plain film/waters view
Asymmetry between dens & lateral mass C1
Lateral mass that appears wider and closer to midline is rotated anteriorly
C1-2 joint spaces are asymmetrical
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Flexsion / Extension Films
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Rotation on CT scan Able to visualizing rotation and associated fractures Dynamic CT scans are not advocated
- Risk of inducing neurological injury secondary to instability Standard measurement technique for rotational angle
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MRI – Ligament Integrity
Shape of the transverse ligament is convex toward the dura Tears: loss of anatomical continuity with regions of high signal
Translational AA subluxation and alar ligament disruption
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White & Panjabi Classification
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Atlantoaxial injury algorithm
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Fusion Options
• Doral Wiring Techniques• Gallie Fusion• Brooks-Jenkins Fusion• Locksley Intersegmental tie-bar technique
• Screw Fixation• Magerl Transrticular Screws• C1-2 Rod Cantilever Technique• C2 Laminar Screws
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Gallie Fusion Limitation: single, midline point of fixation - susceptible to rotational forces Concern exists when more than one spinal segment is spanned using
sublaminar wires increased risk of encroachment on neural elements
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Brooks-Jenkins Fusion• Overcomes rotational deficiencies of Gallie fusion w/ bilateral,
interlaminar bone grafts • Limitation: requiring multisegment sublaminar wires; also requires
postop orthosis (Halo)
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Locksley Intersegmental tie-bar technique
grafts are secured with sublaminar wires addition of a posterior stabilization plate,
secured by wires to spinous processes Three-point fixation with immediate rigidity
and resistance to all axes of movement. The rib, by its natural contour, is an ideal
graft selection. An iliac autograft can also be used.
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Transarticular Screws
• Increased rotational stability• Not require stable posterior arch• High fusion rate; immediate stabilization • Risk of injury to vertebral arteries
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Transarticular C1-2 screws with a posterior wiring (modified Brooks)
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C1-2 Rod Cantilever • C1 lateral mass &
C2 pedicle screws
C2 Laminar Screws• C1 lateral mass & C2 laminar screws• Avoid VA injury• Requires intact posterior elements• Outcomes equal to Magerl’s & C2 pedicle screws• Higher rate of revision when used in subaxial constructs
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References The Evolution of Posterior Cervical and Occipitocervical Fusion: Atlantoaxial Fusion, John
R. Vender, MD, Andy J. Rekito, MS, Steven J. Harrison, MS, and Dennis E. Mcdonnell, MD, Department of Neurosurgery and Medical Illustration Graduate Program, Medical College of Georgia; and Department of Neurosurgery, Gunderson-Lutheran Clinic, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Handboook of Neurosurgery: Greenberg Youmans Post-Traumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation in an Adult: A Case Report; Yeon-Seong et al,
Spine Vol 32, Number 23, ppE682-687, 2007