Objective The atlantoaxial complex exhibits unique morphological and biomechanical characteristics.Trauma, tumors, and inflammatory or congenital diseases may compromise the stability of this joint.The purpose of this study was to describe a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique for C1-C2 fixation through an anatomical corridor and to Replacement Foil analyze the clinical, surgical, and fusion outcomes using this approach over a 15-year period.Methods We present a MIS technique utilizing a natural anatomical corridor for C1-C2 screw fixation, which has been used at our institution since 2007.We analyzed the demographic characteristics and clinical results of the patients who underwent this procedure.
Results Forty-seven patients underwent C1-C2 MIS screw fixation during the study period, with 24 male patients and a median age of 66 years.The indication for surgery was atlantoaxial subluxation in 60% of cases and odontoid fracture in 23%.The median surgery duration was 130 minutes, with a median blood loss of 300 mL.There were no intraoperative complications, and only one sc-novelties patient presented with a superficial wound infection, which was successfully treated with antibiotics.Conclusion The minimally invasive approach through a natural anatomical corridor to fuse the atlantoaxial joint using C1 lateral masses and C2 pedicle screws bilaterally has been demonstrated to be safe and effective.
Preserving the occipital-cervical tension band provides additional biomechanical stability to the construct.